In a bid to make students more mindful of what’s on their plates, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out a new advisory that encourages all its affiliated schools to install “Oil Boards” — eye-catching posters or digital displays warning against the overuse of unhealthy fats and oils.
This circular, issued on July 15, 2025, builds on the earlier “Sugar Boards” campaign and continues CBSE’s push to get schools more actively involved in everyday health awareness. The idea is simple: place bold reminders in cafeterias, corridors, and common areas that spark conversations about eating better.
Behind this move is a troubling trend. Obesity rates in India — especially among kids and teens — are climbing steadily. The National Family Health Survey (2019–21) showed that 1 in 5 adults in urban areas is now overweight or obese. And according to The Lancet, that number is expected to more than double by 2050. What’s more, problems like poor diet and lack of exercise, once limited to adults, are now showing up earlier — in school years.
To tackle this, CBSE wants schools to treat students as active players in their own health. Here’s what that looks like:
- Set up ‘Oil Boards’ in places students pass by every day — not to lecture, but to nudge.
- Print small reminders on notebooks, folders, or school diaries that encourage kids to rethink their food choices and get moving.
- Rework canteen menus to add more fruits, veggies, and low-fat options while pulling back on packaged, sugary, or deep-fried snacks.
- Make movement a habit — through stretch breaks between classes, walkable school layouts, or simply making stairs the fun option again.
CBSE’s message is clear: good habits start young, and schools have a real shot at shaping them without being preachy. Just a few smart nudges in the right places can go a long way.
