CBSE Pushes ‘Oil Boards’ In Schools To Tackle Obesity Crisis Among Students; Details Here
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a fresh directive urging schools to install 'Oil Boards' on campuses in an effort to cultivate healthy habits among students. The initiative, outlined in a circular dated July 15, 2025, builds upon the board’s earlier campaign around ‘Sugar Boards’ and aims to tackle the escalating problem of obesity in India.
Citing data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21), the CBSE highlighted that more than 20 per cent of urban adults in India are overweight or obese. The board further referred to the 2025 Lancet Global Burden of Disease report, which forecasts a staggering rise in the number of overweight or obese adults — from 18 crore in 2021 to 44.9 crore by 2050.
The CBSE noted that early lifestyle habits are critical, stating that childhood obesity is often rooted in poor dietary patterns and insufficient exercise.
What Are Oil Boards?
The latest circular (No. Acad-45/2025) mandates schools to place digital or physical 'Oil Boards' in high-visibility locations like cafeterias, corridors, and meeting halls. These boards will display educational messages on the health risks associated with excessive consumption of oils and fats.
To reinforce the message, CBSE instructed schools to print health-focused slogans on official materials such as letterheads, notepads, envelopes, and folders. Schools are also advised to review their cafeteria offerings, promote nutritious meals, restrict high-fat snacks and sugary beverages, and adopt measures to encourage physical activity throughout the day.
The board has recommended schools involve students directly in designing the Oil Boards to promote greater awareness and personal responsibility for health. “We cannot rely on imported niche technologies that are crucial for our offensive and defensive missions,” the circular said, drawing a broader analogy to national self-reliance and wellness.
Supporting Materials And Broader Vision
Educational posters and videos for awareness campaigns are available via the FSSAI's official YouTube channel, according to the circular. CBSE stressed that the initiative forms part of a larger vision underlined by Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), calling for indigenous solutions to national health challenges.
Reiterating the essential role of schools, CBSE concluded with a strong call to action for educational institutions to help foster “a safer, healthier generation, equipped to face future challenges with better wellbeing.”
education