CBSE launches ‘Oil Boards’ in schools to combat rising obesity rates

After the success of its ‘Sugar Boards’ initiative, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched a new campaign, ‘Oil Boards’, across all affiliated schools to promote healthier dietary habits among students and staff. This initiative aims to tackle the growing health crisis linked to excessive fat and oil consumption, particularly in urban populations.

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As per CBSE’s latest circular, schools are required to place ‘Oil Boards’,informative posters or digital screens at prominent spots like cafeterias, corridors, and staff rooms. These visuals will highlight the negative health effects of consuming oily and fried foods. The campaign responds to findings from NFHS-5 and a recent Lancet study that show a steep rise in obesity rates, especially among youth, with India projected to have over 45 crore overweight adults by 2050.

The Board has outlined a comprehensive action plan to implement this campaign effectively. Apart from displaying the Oil Boards, schools are encouraged to include health messages in stationery materials, restrict the sale of fried snacks in canteens, and promote daily physical activity. Students will also be involved in creating health content, helping them learn through participation. Schools are advised to use resources provided by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for guidance.