CBSE Launches ‘Oil Boards’ Initiative to Combat Rising Obesity and Promote Healthy Lifestyles
New Delhi, [Current Date] – In a significant move to address the growing concern of obesity among students and promote healthier lifestyles, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a new circular urging all affiliated schools to establish ‘Oil Boards’. This initiative, a continuation of their earlier ‘Sugar Boards’ campaign, aims to raise awareness about harmful consumption of unhealthy foods and encourage better dietary habits and physical activity among the school community.
The decision comes in light of alarming statistics: the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) reveals that over one in five adults in urban areas are overweight or obese. Furthermore, a 2025 Lancet GBD study projects that the number of overweight and obese adults in India could surge from 18 crores in 2021 to 44.9 crores by 2050, potentially making India the country with the second-highest global burden of obesity. Childhood obesity, specifically, is largely influenced by poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity.
To combat this trend, CBSE has outlined several key actions for schools to implement:
- Install ‘Oil Board’ Displays: Schools are mandated to put up ‘Oil Board’ displays (digital or static posters) in common areas such as cafeterias, lobbies, meeting rooms, and other public spaces. These boards will serve as visual reminders to raise awareness about unhealthy consumption.
Print Health Messages on Stationery: To reinforce daily reminders on fighting obesity, schools should print health messages on all official stationery, including letterheads, envelopes, notepads, and folders.
Promote Healthy Meals and Physical Activity: Schools are encouraged to provide nutritious and healthier food options, focusing on more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat choices. They should also limit the availability of sugary drinks and high-fat snacks. Additionally, promoting physical activity through initiatives like encouraging stair use, organizing short exercise breaks, and facilitating walking routes is advised.
CBSE has provided prototype designs for these boards in Annexure-I of the circular, which schools can customize to suit their specific requirements. Schools can also involve students in preparing these boards as part of an experiential learning exercise
For additional resources, schools can access relevant IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) material, including posters and videos, on the official YouTube channel of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). For further details or queries regarding the initiative, schools can contact FSSAI via email at [email protected]
This proactive step by CBSE underscores the importance of fostering a healthier school environment and safeguarding the well-being of children. By implementing these measures, schools can play a crucial role in shaping healthier habits for the next generation.
Link to Official Circular : https://cbseacademic.nic.in/