This initiative follows the earlier ‘Sugar Boards’ campaign and aims to promote healthier eating habits among students amid rising obesity rates in India. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21), over one in five adults in urban India are overweight or obese.

A 2025 study published in The Lancet warns that the number of overweight and obese adults could increase from 18 crore in 2021 to nearly 45 crore by 2050, making India the country with the world’s second-highest obesity burden.

What Are ‘Oil Boards’?

‘Oil Boards’ are educational posters or digital displays placed in key school areas like cafeterias and corridors. These boards aim to raise awareness among students and staff about the dangers of high-fat diets and encourage healthier lifestyle choices.

Key Objectives of the Oil Boards Initiative

• Visual Awareness: Installation of printed or digital Oil Boards to educate about the risks of unhealthy fats.
• Health Messaging: Incorporating nutrition reminders into everyday school materials such as letterheads and folders.
• Promoting Healthy Habits: Improving cafeteria menus with nutritious options, restricting sugary drinks and fried snacks, and encouraging physical activity like using stairs and activity breaks.

Student Participation and Resources

CBSE encourages student involvement by making Oil Board creation part of classroom projects, fostering research and creativity. To support schools, educational materials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) are available on FSSAI’s YouTube and social platforms.

This initiative is part of CBSE’s broader strategy to promote health awareness in schools, building on previous efforts like the Sugar Boards campaign aimed at reducing childhood diabetes.