CBSE Directs Schools to Install 'Oil Boards' to Combat Rising Obesity Among Students
New Delhi, July 2025 — In a strong move to address the growing health concerns related to childhood obesity and unhealthy eating, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a directive to schools across India to establish 'Oil Boards' on campus. These boards will serve as educational tools and visual reminders highlighting the dangers of consuming high-fat foods and oils, and encouraging students and staff to adopt healthier dietary habits.
This initiative follows a similar directive issued by the board two months ago that urged schools to install 'Sugar Boards', designed to reduce sugar consumption and improve nutritional awareness among children.
What Are 'Oil Boards'?
According to CBSE officials, Oil Boards are visual displays—either posters or digital signage—placed in high-visibility areas such as school cafeterias, lobbies, and staff rooms. These boards will showcase important messages, facts, and tips to spread awareness about the harmful effects of excessive fat consumption, including risks of obesity, heart disease, and poor metabolic health.
CBSE has encouraged schools to involve students in creating these boards as part of experiential learning and health education, and also to utilize readily available templates or materials from government agencies like the FSSAI.
Why This Move Now? Understanding the Data
CBSE Director (Academics) Pragya M. Singh cited multiple studies and national health surveys to support the urgency of the initiative:
The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21) reported that over 20% of urban adults in India are overweight or obese.
According to a 2025 report published in The Lancet’s Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, the number of overweight and obese adults in India is expected to rise from 18 crore in 2021 to nearly 45 crore by 2050, potentially placing India second globally in obesity burden.
Singh emphasized that “childhood obesity is primarily driven by poor eating habits and declining physical activity,” making early intervention in schools a critical step.
CBSE’s Broader Recommendations to Schools
Alongside the installation of Oil Boards, CBSE has outlined a range of actions for schools to build a culture of health awareness:
Print health messages on all school stationery—letterheads, envelopes, folders, and notepads—to reinforce the idea of nutrition daily.
Offer healthier meals in school canteens, including more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat options, while limiting sugary drinks and fried snacks.
Encourage physical activity during school hours by:
Promoting use of stairs over elevators,
Organizing short fitness or movement breaks,
Supporting walk-friendly school environments.
Schools have also been guided to use official resources from FSSAI, such as posters, videos, and toolkits available on its YouTube channel, for further support in content creation.
Creating Awareness Through Action
CBSE’s new directive not only addresses the urgent public health challenge of childhood obesity, but also encourages student participation and creativity, offering them a role in building a healthier school culture.
With tools like Oil Boards and Sugar Boards, and consistent messaging through official communication materials, CBSE is reinforcing the message that schools must go beyond academics to promote lifelong wellness and balanced living.