The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out a new mandate urging all affiliated schools to install ‘oil boards’. This initiative builds upon the earlier introduction of ‘sugar boards’ and is designed to educate young minds on the health risks associated with excessive oil intake.
The campaign comes amid troubling figures from the National Family Health Survey (2019–21), which revealed that over 20% of India’s adult population is overweight or obese. A recent Lancet study paints an even grimmer picture, projecting that nearly 45 crore Indians could fall into this category by 2050 if preventive steps aren’t taken. Experts point to early intervention—especially in childhood—as key to reversing this upward trend.
To make wellness a regular part of school life, CBSE has outlined a comprehensive strategy that includes:
- Installing informative ‘oil boards’ across cafeterias, corridors, and classrooms, featuring digital or static health messages
- Printing nutritional reminders on school supplies such as notebooks, letterheads, and envelopes
- Encouraging schools to promote fruit and vegetable consumption while incorporating movement breaks and physical activities into the daily routine
Additionally, CBSE has provided design templates for both oil and sugar awareness boards, but has left ample room for schools to localize content and encourage student-led participation. Schools are being urged to creatively involve children through artwork, posters, and interactive projects, turning this into a practical and engaging learning experience.
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With this proactive approach, CBSE aims to build a culture of healthy living on campuses and play a critical role in the nation’s broader fight against lifestyle-related diseases.
