CBSE launches ‘Sugar boards’ campaign to tackle child diabetes

Alarmed by the rising cases of childhood diabetes, the CBSE has launched the ‘School Sugar Boards’ campaign across 24,000+ affiliated schools to reduce sugar consumption among students. The initiative, strongly backed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), aims to raise awareness of the health risks linked to sugary foods and drinks.

The campaign was inaugurated at Satya Bharti Adarsh Senior Secondary School in Jhanerhi village by noted child specialist Dr VK Ahuja, who addressed over 1,000 students and 50 teachers. He warned that Type 2 diabetes – once seen only in adults – is now increasingly affecting children, mainly due to overconsumption of cold drinks, packaged juices, and processed snacks.

“Just one 300 ml cold drink contains up to eight teaspoons of sugar,” Ahuja said, stressing that kids often consume three times the WHO’s recommended sugar intake.

The ‘Sugar Boards’ will visually display sugar content in common items, suggest healthier alternatives, and promote nutrition education. Schools must also audit canteens and restrict high-fat, sugar, and salt foods.

“Think before you drink. You are what you eat," Ahuja advised, receiving strong support from teachers and students alike.

Jalandhar