Jaipur, Sept. 22 -- Rajasthan chief minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Sunday urged youngsters to stay away from drugs and pledged government support for their welfare, while highlighting strict action against the drug mafia and promising large-scale job opportunities in both government and private sectors. Addressing a gathering during a Nasha Mukti Pledge programme held under Seva Pakhwada in Sanwali, Sikar, the chief minister administered an oath to thousands of youngsters to lead a drug-free life. "Change begins with us. By staying free from addiction, we can protect our families and society from this menace. Together, we must unite against drugs," he said. Highlighting the government's crackdown on the drug mafia, Sharma said that in just 18 months, 6,608 cases have been registered, 7,835 people arrested, and large quantities of narcotics including 4,700 kg opium and 130 kg heroin seized. He also underlined the government's move to bring a bill against forced religious conversions to curb illegal practices. The chief minister attacked the previous Congress government for paper leak scandals that, he said, shattered the dreams of youth. "We are committed to transparent recruitment and curbing paper leaks," he said, adding that the government aims to provide 400,000 government jobs and 600,000 private sector opportunities in the next five years. So far, 75,000 government appointments have been made, with the number soon to touch 100,000, he said, adding that the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit will further create private sector jobs for the state's youth. Earlier in the day, Sharma flagged off the "Namo Yuva Run - For a Drug-Free India" marathon organized by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha at Amar Jawan Jyoti, Jaipur, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday celebrations. He told the participants that the government remains fully committed to youth welfare, with 25,000 more appointments to be announced shortly. "The 21st century will belong to India, and it is the youth who will make it possible with their hard work and dedication," he said. Congress spokesperson Swarnim Chaturvedi said, "The previous Congress government had already provided 2.5 lakh (250k) jobs and initiated recruitment for another 1.25 lakh (125k) youth, while the BJP is taking credit for partial appointments." He said over 1.25 lakh posts in the education department remain vacant, recruitments are stalled, and the Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme has been scrapped. Chaturvedi further said drugs are entering Rajasthan from BJP-ruled states and the Centre has failed to curb the menace. He also criticized the new anti-conversion law, calling it politically motivated and prone to misuse, as it shifts the burden of proof onto the accused....