CBSE's oil boards to make students face the greasy truth
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In response to the growing obesity crisis among school children, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools to install "oil boards" on their campuses.
The move follows alarming projections from the NFHS-5 and 2025 Global Obesity Forecasting Study, which estimate that the number of overweight and obese adults in India will surge from 18 crore in 2021 to nearly 44.9 crore by 2050—placing India among countries with the highest obesity burden globally.
The "oil boards" initiative is a continuation of CBSE's previous "sugar boards" campaign, aimed at raising awareness about unhealthy eating habits and promoting informed dietary choices among students, staff, and parents.
CBSE has emphasised that poor nutrition and low physical activity are major contributors to childhood obesity.
As part of the campaign, schools are required to install oil boards in visible areas such as cafeterias, lobbies, and meeting rooms. These boards, developed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), display the fat content in popular foods like samosas, kachoris, banana chips, French fries, burgers, and pizzas.
For example, a single samosa contains 28 grams of fat—nearly the entire recommended daily intake of 27–30 grams.
To reinforce the message, schools are also encouraged to print health tips on official stationery, including notebooks, folders, and letterheads. Additionally, schools are advised to promote healthier food options such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat snacks, while discouraging sugary drinks and deep-fried items.
Physical activity is also being emphasized, with suggestions like using stairs, organising short exercise breaks, and creating walking routes within school premises.
Schools have the flexibility to customise boards based on their needs and are expected to display them prominently. FSSAI has also provided educational materials and awareness videos to support the initiative.
Welcoming the move, Gurmant Kaur Gill, principal, Guru Nanak International Public School, said, "The sugar boards created much awareness among our students and parents. Now, we are preparing to install oil boards to carry the campaign forward." Seema Gupta, Principal of BVM School, echoed the sentiment, stating that visual tools like these are effective in helping children and families make healthier food choices.
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