Work stress alone can't be a reason for cops' tobacco addiction: Dhananjay Kulkarni

What measures has the department has taken to ensure policemen kick the habit?
We have regularly appealed to policemen to keep themselves away from such an addiction. We conduct a number of counselling camps, yoga camps as well as health camps with the help of NGOs and hospitals. The commissioner has instructed all constables aged above 45 to get a compulsory body check-up done; if any disease is found, we tell them to take treatment. We have Maharashtra Police Kutumbiya Aarogya Yogna which covers 27 diseases, including cancer. The policemen can approach any hospital on the panel and get cashless treatment.

Why do you think they get addicted to such substances?
A major reason is that most of our constabulary comprises men recruited from rural Maharashtra, and in such parts tobacco is a big menace. Most of them have the habit of chewing tobacco before joining the force.

Do you take action against cops found chewing tobacco, eating paan?
Yes, we do take disciplinary action against constables and officers found doing this on the premises of police stations. We first give them an oral warning; if they don't stop, then disciplinary action is taken.

Can tobacco addiction been attributed to the stress that comes along with being a policeman?
Work stress alone can't be the reason, as there are officers and constables who have no addiction at all and they too put in the same amount of work. I agree that being a policeman is a very demanding job, hence, it's all the more important that they take care of their health.