After sugar boards, CBSE pushes oil boards to cut fat intake in schools
Initiative follows 'Sugar Boards' to promote better health habits
Boards to be placed in cafeterias, hallways, and staff areas
After the introduction of 'Sugar Boards' last year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken another step to promote healthy living in schools. In a fresh circular issued to affiliated schools, the Board has announced the rollout of 'Oil Boards'â€'a visual awareness campaign aimed at discouraging excessive consumption of unhealthy fats and oils.
The move comes amid alarming data on rising obesity rates in India, particularly amongst urban children and adolescents. Drawing from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21), CBSE highlights that more than 20% of adults in urban areas are either overweight or obese. A Lancet study from 2025 further warns that by 2050, the number of overweight adults in India may jump from 18 crore in 2021 to nearly 45 crore, placing the country second globally in obesity prevalence. WHAT ARE OIL BOARDS?
As per the CBSE directive, 'Oil Boards' are to be installed in visible areas within school campusesâ€'such as cafeterias, hallways, and staff lounges. These can be either printed posters or digital screens, featuring facts and warnings about the health hazards of consuming high-fat and oil-rich foods. The idea is to encourage students and staff to make more mindful food choices. WHY THE INITIATIVE MATTERS?
This initiative builds on the earlier 'Sugar Boards' campaign that sought to reduce sugar consumption in school environments. With obesity becoming a national concern, especially in younger age groups, CBSE believes schools have a vital role to play in promoting preventive health behaviours. Poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and a lack of awareness about nutrition are contributing factors that the Board hopes to address through such targeted interventions.
Direct link to check the official circular WHAT SCHOOLS ARE EXPECTED TO DO
To bring the Oil Board initiative to life, CBSE has laid out a multipronged approach for schools:
Install Visual Displays: Put up clear, eye-catching posters or digital messages in areas frequented by students and staff.
Health-Focused Stationery: Add health tips and reminders to school stationery letterheads, notebooks, foldersto reinforce the message beyond just the display boards.
Healthy Food and Activity Push: Encourage canteens to stock healthier meal options while limiting the sale of fried snacks and sugary drinks. Promote physical movement through activity breaks, use of stairs, and walk-friendly zones on campus.
Student Engagement: Integrate the creation of Oil Board content into class projects. This could involve students conducting their own research, creating visuals, and writing health-based messages to deepen understanding and involvement.
Schools have also been advised to make use of educational materials developed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Videos, posters, and guidelines are available through FSSAI's social media and YouTube channels.
By involving students, staff, and the larger school ecosystem, CBSE hopes to foster lifelong habits that prioritise nutrition and wellness. The Oil Board campaign, much like its predecessor, is not just about awareness, it's about creating an environment that supports healthier daily choices.
After the introduction of 'Sugar Boards' last year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken another step to promote healthy living in schools. In a fresh circular issued to affiliated schools, the Board has announced the rollout of 'Oil Boards'â€'a visual awareness campaign aimed at discouraging excessive consumption of unhealthy fats and oils.
The move comes amid alarming data on rising obesity rates in India, particularly amongst urban children and adolescents. Drawing from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21), CBSE highlights that more than 20% of adults in urban areas are either overweight or obese. A Lancet study from 2025 further warns that by 2050, the number of overweight adults in India may jump from 18 crore in 2021 to nearly 45 crore, placing the country second globally in obesity prevalence. WHAT ARE OIL BOARDS?
As per the CBSE directive, 'Oil Boards' are to be installed in visible areas within school campusesâ€'such as cafeterias, hallways, and staff lounges. These can be either printed posters or digital screens, featuring facts and warnings about the health hazards of consuming high-fat and oil-rich foods. The idea is to encourage students and staff to make more mindful food choices. WHY THE INITIATIVE MATTERS?
This initiative builds on the earlier 'Sugar Boards' campaign that sought to reduce sugar consumption in school environments. With obesity becoming a national concern, especially in younger age groups, CBSE believes schools have a vital role to play in promoting preventive health behaviours. Poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and a lack of awareness about nutrition are contributing factors that the Board hopes to address through such targeted interventions.
Direct link to check the official circular WHAT SCHOOLS ARE EXPECTED TO DO
To bring the Oil Board initiative to life, CBSE has laid out a multipronged approach for schools:
Install Visual Displays: Put up clear, eye-catching posters or digital messages in areas frequented by students and staff.
Health-Focused Stationery: Add health tips and reminders to school stationery letterheads, notebooks, foldersto reinforce the message beyond just the display boards.
Healthy Food and Activity Push: Encourage canteens to stock healthier meal options while limiting the sale of fried snacks and sugary drinks. Promote physical movement through activity breaks, use of stairs, and walk-friendly zones on campus.
Student Engagement: Integrate the creation of Oil Board content into class projects. This could involve students conducting their own research, creating visuals, and writing health-based messages to deepen understanding and involvement.
Schools have also been advised to make use of educational materials developed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Videos, posters, and guidelines are available through FSSAI's social media and YouTube channels.
By involving students, staff, and the larger school ecosystem, CBSE hopes to foster lifelong habits that prioritise nutrition and wellness. The Oil Board campaign, much like its predecessor, is not just about awareness, it's about creating an environment that supports healthier daily choices. Join our WhatsApp Channel
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(Mahima Jain is an independent journalist covering the socio-economics of health, gender and environment. mhmajain@
