Bangalore: Students doing dental courses have been asked to sign an affidavit saying that they will never smoke cigarette, chew tobacco or consume liquor on campus, in the canteen or even in hostels. This is the first time the students have been asked to given an affidavit signing that they will stick to these rules.

A Dental Council of India (DCI) circular stated, “It is understood that the college authorities of all the Dental Colleges will ensure that the consumption of alcohol, drug, tobacco, gutkha, and smoking will be prohibited in college premises, hospital, hostel and canteen. It will be appreciated that the freshly admitted dental students will furnish an affidavit stating that they will not indulge in the consumption of alcohol, drug, tobacco, gutkha, and smoking in college, hospital, hostel, canteen premises.”

Though the campuses are generally free from consumption of liquor, there are some reports from colleges that a few students were found smoking in canteens. However, when it comes to hostels, there are reports that students do indulge in drinking and smoking inside the room. So, as oral warnings have failed to stop such activities of students, we feel that an affidavit will stop them as the colleges will be in a better position to take action against such erring students.”