Chandigarh, May 21 -- Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday appealed to the newly recruited youth to become the foot soldiers of the state government's crusade against corruption and drugs.

Addressing a gathering while handing over appointment letters to 450 youth here, the CM said that these young recruits have now become an integral part of the state government.

"It is the need of the hour to eliminate these (drugs and corruption) scourges from the state, for which the support of the youth is pivotal. Campaigns like Yudh Nashian Virudh have been launched for the well-being of the state's youth, making it imperative for everyone to contribute to their success," the CM said.

The recruits belong to departments of housing, agriculture,...