Oil Out, Movement In: CBSE Schools' Fitness Formula

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Over one in five urban adults in India are overweight or obese, according to NFHS-5 (2019–21). The Lancet’s 2025 Global Burden of Disease report forecasts this number will rise from 18 crore in 2021 to 44.9 crore by 2050, placing India second globally in obesity burden.

In response, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated affiliated schools to install ‘Oil Boards’ in common areas such as cafeterias, lobbies, and staff rooms to raise awareness about oil consumption and promote healthier lifestyles.

The initiative complements earlier efforts focused on sugar reduction and is part of a broader campaign to combat childhood obesity through education and lifestyle change.

Key Measures Schools Must Implement

• CBSE director Praggya M Singh urges schools to take active steps:

• Install digital or static ‘Oil Boards’ highlighting risks of excess oil.

• Print brief health messages on official stationery to reinforce daily awareness.

• Offer more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat foods; limit sugary drinks and fried snacks.

• Promote physical activity through stair use, short exercise breaks, and safe walking routes.

• Engage students in making ‘Oil Boards’ to deepen learning.

• Use IEC materials like posters and videos available on FSSAI’s YouTube channel.

CBSE’s new initiative builds on earlier campaigns like the ‘Sugar Boards’ and focuses on making students aware of the harmful effects of excessive oil consumption. Schools are expected to promote healthier eating habits and increase physical activity among students.

UK Jha, CBSE coordinator

Childhood obesity: More than just health issue

“Childhood obesity is not just a health issue; it affects academic performance and overall development. Schools are in a unique position to influence students’ habits at a critical age. In a city like Indore, where lifestyles are changing fast, early intervention in schools can make a real difference.”

— UK Jha, CBSE coordinator 

Manoj Bajpai, CBSE resource person

Active minds, active bodies

“Schools are central to shaping young minds. When teachers actively engage with students about nutrition and physical activity, it makes a lasting difference. In Indore, we see this reflected in increased participation in school sports and wellness programmes.”

— Manoj Bajpai, CBSE resource person

Muktesh Singh, school director

Fitness and food awareness hand in hand

“Regular physical activity is the key. At Emerald Heights International School, we already support fitness through our cricket grounds and swimming pool. Now, with added focus on nutrition awareness, we are helping Indore’s children build stronger, healthier futures.”

— Muktesh Singh, school director

Geeta Taneja, school principal

Integrating awareness into daily school life

“We will incorporate ‘Oil Boards’ in cafeterias and staff areas immediately. Teachers will weave these messages into lessons and assemblies to reach every student. This hands-on approach will help Indore’s students understand healthy living as part of their everyday routine.”

— Geeta Taneja, school principal