All the colleges and higher education institutions affiliated to the University Grants Commission (UGC) have been asked to take measures to avoid junk food on their campuses and to sensitise students against consumption of the same. A letter regarding the same has been issued which states, “Banning junk food in colleges would set new standards for healthy food and make the students live better, and learn better and also reduce the obesity levels in young learners, thus preventing lifestyle diseases which have a direct link with excessive weight”.
This move came after a directive from the HRD ministry asked the UGC to ban the sale of junk food on the premises of higher education institutions. To create an awareness among the young generation who are vulnerable regarding healthy living, in the letter the UGC has urged the vice chancellor an assurance of strict adherence to the advisory issued in November 2016. You are requested to ensure strict adherence to the advisory and create awareness among the younger generation who are vulnerable, it stated.
Advise has also been given to conduct orientation programs for faculty and staff on issues pertaining to health.It was also suggested that ‘wellness clusters’ under Students Welfare Departments should be set up of which could serve as counselling centres for proper nutrition and exercise and healthy habits, as well as psychological support to prevent and reduce the incidence of obesity in young students.
On the similar lines, recently, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) directed all affiliated schools to take junk food off their canteen menu.At the time, schools were also asked to inspect lunch boxes of students, create awareness about nutritious food and regularly monitor students’ health.The circular was released following a report by the Ministry of Women and Child Development on consumption of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) and promotion of healthy snacks in schools.
