In an initiative to act against increasing childhood diabetes, India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools to install ‘Sugar Boards’. The new order is designed to encourage health awareness and monitor the intake of sugar foods and beverages among children.
The action follows increasing alarm at the growing incidence of children developing diabetes and obesity. CBSE officials said that most school canteens still sell high sugar snacks, notwithstanding earlier guidelines against unhealthy food options. The ‘Sugar Boards’ will put up information regarding the amount of sugar in widely consumed foods and inform students about healthier eating options.
Schools have been directed to put these boards on public display in places like cafeterias and assembly areas. Along with sensitization, the effort is likely to help CBSE’s greater purpose of mainstreaming health education in the culture and lifestyle of schools.
The move has been praised by health professionals as an important step towards early intervention and lifestyle modification. The CBSE has also called on parents and school authorities to collaborate in building a sugar-smart environment that helps to cultivate long-term wellness in India’s children.
