JAIPUR: If you want a government job in Rajasthan, vow never to smoke cigarettes and chew gutka. The department of personnel has issued a circular to all government departments and district collectors to extract an undertaking from candidates to the effect that they do not smoke or consume gutka while in government service.

A copy of the circular, issued on October 4, has been sent to the governor, Rajasthan Public Service Commission , secretary, Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha and registrar, Rajasthan high court Jaipur/Jodhpur.

In November 2012, state-level coordination committee for tobacco control had recommended an undertaking from candidates before giving them government jobs. Such an undertaking would help young smokers to quit the habit in the initial stages, which otherwise would result in cancer , the committee said.

Principal secretary, department of personnel, Sudarshan Sethi, said, “Gutka and smoking are very harmful and their consumption is not at all a fashion statement. People should stay away from it.”

The circular was issued on the same day when the model code of conduct for assembly elections came into effect in Rajasthan.

State nodal officer, tobacco control, Dr Sunil Singh, said, “It’s not only in India but probably first in the world that such a decision has been taken to discourage tobacco consumption.” He said the first state-level meeting was held in November and the next meeting will discuss the penalty on a person who violates the undertaking.

Those working for tobacco control welcomed the decision although they said a lot more has to be done for tobacco control.

Oncologist, Dr Rakesh Gupta, who was one among the five recipients for WHO’s award (in May 2013) for their efforts in tobacco control, including promotion and implementation of anti-tobacco policy and capacity building to control tobacco consumption in state, said, “It’s a good decision but a lot more brainstorming is needed. There’s hardly any facility to help tobacco users to quit the habit, there is a shortage of experts who can help tobacco users in quitting it. A proper policy is needed for it.”

As per the national cancer registry, 50% men using tobacco get cancer. The figure for women is 20%.

