Pune: To keep youth away from drug addiction, the Maharashtra government is seriously considering creating an additional position for a counselor (at least a visiting one) in every college, announced Higher Education and Technology Minister Chandrakant Patil.

Patil made this statement at an awareness program organized by Someshwar Foundation in collaboration with Cartoons Combine, on the occasion of World Anti-Drug Day.

The foundation's president and former councilor Chandrashekhar Nimbhane was present at the event, along with cartoonists Charuhas Pandit, Yogendra Bhagat, Vishwas Suryavanshi, Atul Purandare, Dhanraj Garad, Sharayu Farkande, Lahu Kale, and Ashwini Rane, who created cartoons conveying the message, "Punekars, let's unite and fight against drugs."

Patil expressed concern over the increasing drug consumption among the youth. "A city with a population of 7 million is almost losing its workforce, creating a negative image.

Pune is known as the hub of education, home to numerous industries, and has excellent healthcare services. It is the eighth fastest-growing city in the country, but this image is being tarnished due to drug addiction.

The administration must take strict action, involve citizens in vigilance teams, and implement regulations concerning pubs. The people of Pune should come together to address this issue, and no one should politicize it," Patil emphasized.