CBSE directs affilated schools to put up Oil Board to promote healthy lifestyle among students
This circular comes after the Health Ministry directed ministries, Central departments and institutions to put up such boards as part of its initiative to prevent and control non-communicable diseases
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SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
Post an advisory from the Health Ministry, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed affiliated schools to display “Oil Boards” in common areas to promote healthy lifestyle among students. It had earlier also directed the affiliated schools to put up “Sugar boards”.
This circular comes after the Health Ministry directed ministries, Central departments and institutions to put up such boards as part of its initiative to prevent and control non-communicable diseases. While the matter had become a political hot-potato earlier this week, experts say this awareness generating messaging is in the right direction given India is facing significant challenges with rising obesity and diabetes.
The Oil Board prototype, designed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, gives an indication regarding the amount of fat in commonly eaten snacks such as samosa, kachori, vadapav, burger, french fries and pizza among others. It also recommends that one should consume only 27-30 gms of fat per day. Similarly, the Sugar Boards give an indication about the amount of sugar in various products including chocolate, gulab jamun, soft drink, jalebi and flavoured juice among others.
In its circular dated July 15, CBSE noted that research points to a sharp rise in obesity among adults and children. It also added that the prevalence of childhood obesity is due to poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity. It said that all schools must sensitise their students and staff by displaying Oil Boards in common areas to raise awareness about harmful consumption, promote healthy meals and physical activities among others.
Behavioural nudge
Earlier, this week, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stressed that the general advisory is aimed to serve as a “behavioural nudge” and make people aware about hidden fats and excess sugar in all food products and “not specifically to any particular food product.” “These Boards are meant to serve as daily reminders on fighting obesity, the burden of which is sharply rising in the country. The Health Ministry Advisory does not direct Warning Labels on food products sold by vendors, and has not been selective towards Indian snacks. It does not target India’s rich street food culture,” it added.
The Ministry’s statement had come after some section of consumers raised concerns about unfair targeting of Indian snacks reacting to some media reports. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in a post on X on Tuesday said, “Let us not interfere with people’s food habits.” Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora said the Parliamentary Subordinate Legislation Committee has unanimously advocated uniform regulations across all food categories, including alcohol, so Indian food isn’t unfairly targeted while MNCs continue to market Western junk unchecked.
Positive move
Politics aside, a large section of consumers, especially lower socio-economic groups, rely heavily on some of these commonly available street food products for sustenance. In the wake of this, branding experts believe cautioning consumers about the unhealthy effect of excessive consumption of oil and sugar content is a step in the right direction.
Angel investor and business strategist Lloyd Mathias said, “ As a country we are facing challenges of obesity and diabetes and need to raise awareness and reinforce this kind of messaging to alert consumers about the unhealthy effects of having snacks which have high oil content. I think what the Health Ministry is doing is a positive move.”
Published on July 17, 2025
