New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a directive to all affiliated schools to establish ‘Oil Boards’ on campus as part of a wider initiative to encourage healthy lifestyles and combat obesity. This follows an earlier circular dated May 14, 2025, which had called for the installation of ‘Sugar Boards’.

In a letter addressed to school heads, CBSE cited alarming data from the National Family Health Survey (2019-21) and the Lancet Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, published in 2025. The studies forecast that the number of overweight and obese adults in India is expected to rise from 18 crore in 2021 to 44.9 crore by 2050, placing India as the country with the second-highest global burden. The CBSE noted a sharp rise in obesity among both adults and children, attributing the trend largely to poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity.

Given this, all CBSE-affiliated schools have been instructed to install ‘Oil Board’ displays in common areas to raise awareness about the harmful effects of excessive oil consumption. They are also required to print health-related messages on official stationery and publications to serve as constant reminders for students and staff. Additionally, schools must promote healthy meals by providing more nutritious food options such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat items, while limiting the availability of sugary drinks and high-fat snacks. Schools are also encouraged to promote physical activity by organising short exercise breaks, enabling the use of stairs, and facilitating walking routes within the campus.

This initiative aligns with the broader public health campaign launched by the Union Health Ministry in June, which proposed prominently displaying oil and sugar content on commonly consumed food items, such as pizzas, burgers, samosas, vada pav, and kachoris, in schools, offices, and public institutions.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised concerns over India’s growing obesity problem. In March, he urged citizens to reduce their cooking oil usage by 10per cent, warning that by 2050, over 440 million Indians could be affected by obesity, turning it into a major health crisis. He emphasised that proactive steps such as healthier food choices and regular physical activity, including walking daily, are essential to ensure the nation's health and its future. “Only a healthy nation can achieve the vision of becoming a developed country,” the Prime Minister stated.