CBSE’s ‘Sugar Boards’ Initiative: Tackling the Sweet Crisis in Indian Schools

In an effort to combat rising sugar consumption among students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools to establish “Sugar Boards”—a dedicated awareness initiative designed to monitor and educate students about the dangers of excessive sugar intake. This decision follows a sharp increase in Type 2 diabetes among children, a condition once primarily seen in adults, but now a growing concern in school-aged populations.

Why Sugar is Becoming a Silent Crisis

The CBSE has observed a troubling rise in Type 2 diabetes among students over the past decade. Health experts attribute this trend to the easy availability of sugary snacks, soft drinks, and processed foods within school environments. Studies indicate that sugar constitutes 13% of daily calorie intake for children aged 4 to 10 years and 15% for those aged 11 to 18 years—far exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5%.

These Sugar Boards, mandated by CBSE, will serve as educational displays within schools, informing students about the risks of excessive sugar consumption. They will display critical information, such as:

• Recommended daily sugar intake

• Sugar content in commonly consumed foods (sweets, sodas, chocolates)

• Health risks associated with high sugar intake, including obesity, diabetes, and dental problems

• Healthier dietary alternatives

The directive also encourages schools to conduct awareness seminars and workshops, helping students make informed food choices. Schools are required to submit reports and photographs of their Sugar Boards by July 15.

The Real Enemy is Advertising

But while the CBSE is focusing on sugar consumption within schools, global research highlights a much larger problem—junk food advertising. As reported by The South First in a recent story, a study presented at the 2024 European Congress on Obesity in Malaga found that even five minutes of exposure to junk food advertisements could cause children to consume an extra 130 kilocalories per day. Professor Emma Boyland from the University of Liverpool explained, “Our results show that unhealthy food marketing leads to sustained increases in caloric intake among young people—enough to promote weight gain over time.”

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This research highlights that children’s sugar consumption is not just influenced by what they eat in school but also by what they see on their screens. Junk food marketing—whether through TV, online ads, or even brand-only advertisements—significantly impacts children’s eating habits.

Nithin Kamath, Founder & CEO of Zerodha & Rainmatter Foundation, and a popular LinkedIn thought leader, recently highlighted the Sugar Boards initiative on social media, thanking Food Pharmer (Revant Himatsingka) for contributing to this change with his content.

Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as Food Pharmer, has been a vocal advocate for healthier eating habits among children. His digital content, which breaks down the sugar content of everyday foods—from malted drinks to packaged juices—has gained widespread attention and spurred conversations on healthy eating among parents, schools, and policymakers.

Kamath’s post acknowledged that while the CBSE’s initiative is a step in the right direction, true change requires parental awareness and action. “Now to figure out how to get parents to care about it. How to reduce sodas, coffee/tea (majority of it is mostly sugar), malted drinks, chocolates, sweets, etc.,” he wrote.

Will ‘Sugar Boards’ Be Enough?

While the Sugar Boards are a commendable initiative, many may argue that they are only part of the solution. Schools can monitor students’ sugar intake on campus, but the problem extends beyond the school gates. Children are exposed to junk food advertising on social media, in video games, and even through influencer endorsements.

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Professor Boyland’s research shows that even brand-only food ads—advertisements that showcase brand logos without directly promoting food—can significantly increase children’s calorie intake. This means that without stricter advertising regulations, schools may find it difficult to counter the impact of sugar marketing.

CBSE’s Sugar Boards are a commendable initiative, but their success will depend on consistent awareness efforts, parental involvement, and broader policy changes. Experts recommend a multi-pronged approach:

1. Stricter regulations on junk food marketing aimed at children

2. Mandatory nutrition education as part of the curriculum

3. Collaboration with parents to reduce sugary foods at home

4. Regular health check-ups and BMI monitoring in schools

With diabetes and obesity on the rise among young Indians, addressing the sugar crisis is no longer just a dietary choice—it is a public health necessity.