TV
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out new directives aimed at promoting healthier eating habits among students and staff. Schools across India have now been asked to install “Oil Boards” to raise awareness about the harmful effects of high-fat foods and oils. This initiative comes shortly after the board’s earlier move to set up “Sugar Boards” to curb excessive sugar consumption among children.
What Are Oil Boards?
According to CBSE officials, “Oil Boards” will include posters or digital displays placed in common areas like cafeterias, lobbies, and meeting rooms. These visual reminders will educate the school community on the risks associated with consuming high-fat diets and encourage the adoption of healthier eating practices.
Alarming Obesity Trends
Highlighting the urgent need for such measures, CBSE Director (Academics) Pragya M Singh pointed to findings from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21), which revealed that over one in five adults in urban India are overweight or obese. Citing The Lancet’s Global Burden of Disease (2021) study, Singh added that India’s overweight and obese population could rise from 18 crore in 2021 to 44.9 crore by 2050, placing India second globally in obesity burden.
CBSE’s Recommendations
In addition to installing Oil Boards, the CBSE has advised schools to:
Print health messages on official stationery.
Encourage healthier food choices in cafeterias.
Promote physical activity through short exercise breaks and walking routes.
Schools are also encouraged to involve students in designing the boards as a part of experiential learning. IEC materials and videos are available on FSSAI’s official YouTube channel for reference.
Towards a Healthier Future
With these initiatives, CBSE aims to instill mindful eating habits and active lifestyles among students, laying the foundation for a healthier generation.
