Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 27: In a significant step toward improving children’s health, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed over 24,000 affiliated schools across India to install “Sugar Boards” a move hailed by medical experts as timely and essential amid rising cases of childhood diabetes and obesity.
The Sugar Boards will display crucial information such as recommended daily sugar intake, sugar content in popular food items like junk food and cold drinks, health risks of excessive sugar consumption, and tips for healthier alternatives.
“This initiative educates children on the risks of high sugar intake, especially the growing threat of Type 2 diabetes and obesity,” said Dr Naval Vikram, Professor of Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi. “It aligns with global nutrition goals and can influence lifelong healthy eating habits when combined with workshops and parental involvement.”
The CBSE, in a letter to school principals, attributed the surge in childhood diabetes over the past decade to the widespread availability of sugary snacks and beverages in school surroundings. The board cited studies showing sugar makes up 13% of daily calorie intake for children aged 4–10 and 15% for those aged 11–18 — far exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5%.
Calling it a “much-needed” measure, Dr Harsh Mahajan, Chair of the FICCI Health Services Committee, stressed the importance of early intervention. “Children are now suffering from lifestyle disorders at a much younger age, and most cases remain undetected until the damage is done,” he said.
Dr Arun Gupta, a Delhi-based paediatrician, welcomed the move but urged further steps, including warning labels on products high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS), and banning their advertisements. “Even school canteens must be made HFSS-free,” he said.
Experts also recommended regular screenings for school children — including tests for blood sugar, HbA1c, BMI, and liver function — to detect early warning signs and promote timely intervention.