The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken another step towards encouraging healthier habits in schools. After promoting the use of ‘Sugar Boards’ earlier this year, CBSE has now launched a new initiative urging all affiliated schools to introduce ‘Oil Boards’—visual reminders aimed at reducing the use of unhealthy fats and oils.
This move is part of a broader campaign to address the growing issue of childhood obesity in India.
What Are Oil Boards?
Oil Boards are digital or printed posters that schools must place in visible areas like cafeterias, lobbies, meeting rooms, and hallways. These boards will feature important health messages about the risks of eating too much oily or fatty food. The goal is to help students and staff make healthier food choices through regular visual reminders.
Why This Matters
The rising rates of obesity in India are a serious concern. According to recent reports:
- Over 1 in 5 adults in urban India are overweight or obese.
- By 2050, the number of overweight and obese adults in the country could rise from 18 crore to nearly 45 crore.
- CBSE has noted that poor eating habits and low physical activity among children are major contributors to this trend.
What Schools Are Expected to Do
To put the Oil Board initiative into action, CBSE has asked schools to take the following steps:
- Install Awareness Posters: Put up digital or printed Oil Boards in public areas to caution against excess oil consumption.
- Print Health Messages on Stationery: Include short reminders on school items like letterheads, notebooks, folders, and envelopes.
- Encourage Healthy Food and Movement:
- Serve more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat options in school meals.
- Cut down on sugary drinks and oily snacks in cafeterias.
- Promote everyday physical activity, such as taking stairs, organizing short exercise breaks, and setting up walking paths.
CBSE Launches ‘Oil Boards’ for Healthier School Habits
Students to Take the Lead
A unique part of this campaign is its focus on student involvement. CBSE is encouraging schools to make this initiative part of classroom learning. Students can:
- Research the health effects of fats and oils.
- Create their own Oil Board designs as part of projects.
- Take part in spreading health awareness in their school communities.
Support Available
To support schools, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made educational materials like posters and videos available on its official YouTube channel. Schools can also write to [email protected] for further guidance.
A Step Toward Healthier Schools
By expanding from Sugar Boards to Oil Boards, CBSE aims to build a school environment that supports healthier choices every day. These small but powerful reminders can help create a lasting impact on the health and habits of the next generation.
Source
Official CBSE Circular, 15 July 2025: Click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per CBSE, Ministry of Education, and Government of India.
