In a decisive step to combat the escalating health issues among schoolchildren, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated all affiliated schools to establish “Sugar Boards.” This initiative aims to educate students about the health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption, particularly its link to Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other lifestyle-related diseases.
Understanding the ‘Sugar Board’ Initiative
The ‘Sugar Board’ is an informative display to be installed in schools, highlighting:
- Recommended daily sugar intake for various age groups.
- Sugar content in commonly consumed foods and beverages.
- Health risks associated with high sugar consumption, including diabetes and obesity.
- Healthier dietary alternatives to high-sugar foods.
This initiative is part of CBSE’s broader effort to promote health consciousness and preventive education among students.
The Rationale Behind the Initiative
Recent data indicates a concerning rise in Type 2 diabetes among children, with cases like that of 12-year-old Harshita, who was diagnosed unexpectedly, underscoring the urgency of the issue. Children’s daily sugar intake significantly exceeds the recommended limit of 5% of total calories, with actual consumption ranging between 13-15%. This overconsumption is linked to increased instances of obesity, fatigue, and metabolic disorders among students.
Implementation Across States
Several states have begun implementing the ‘Sugar Board’ initiative:
- Chandigarh: Starting July 1, 2025, all government and private schools will install ‘Sugar Boards’ and ban the sale of high-fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods within school premises.
- Punjab: The state has directed schools to establish ‘Sugar Boards’ to monitor and reduce sugar intake among students, following recommendations from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
- Madhya Pradesh: The Education Department is introducing ‘Sugar Boards’ in every school to educate students about diabetes prevention, with workshops planned to reinforce the message.
- Kerala: The Department of Food Security and the Department of Education have jointly launched the ‘Sugar Board’ initiative to increase awareness about sugar content in soft drinks and its health implications.
- Jharkhand: In Dhanbad, all schools are mandated to install ‘Sugar Boards’ to raise awareness about the risks of excessive sugar consumption among children.
Complementary Measures
Beyond the installation of ‘Sugar Boards,’ schools are adopting additional measures:
- Routine Health Screenings: CBSE-affiliated schools are set to introduce routine blood sugar testing for students as part of a new health initiative aimed at combating childhood obesity and diabetes.
- Educational Workshops: Schools are conducting seminars and workshops for students, teachers, and parents to highlight the adverse health effects of excess sugar consumption.
- Promotion of Healthy Eating: Schools like Bal Bharti and Apeejay are actively promoting healthier eating habits by sharing nutritious recipes and discouraging sugar-rich junk food.
Expert Opinions and Public Response
Health experts have lauded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of early education in preventing lifestyle diseases. Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath praised the CBSE’s move, highlighting the challenge of engaging parents in efforts to reduce sugar intake at home.
Conclusion
The CBSE’s directive to establish ‘Sugar Boards’ in schools represents a proactive approach to addressing the growing health concerns among children related to excessive sugar consumption. By combining informative displays with health screenings and educational workshops, the initiative aims to foster a culture of health consciousness among students, educators, and parents alike.
Its success will depend on consistent implementation, community engagement, and sustained efforts to promote healthier lifestyles within and beyond the school environment.
