CBSE mandates ‘sugar boards’ in schools to limit child diabetes, which states are leading the way

The CBSE, referencing alarming trends in childhood health, noted a significant rise in Type 2 diabetes, a condition traditionally seen in adults, in children.

This spike is largely attributed to high sugar intake from readily available snacks, cold drinks, and processed foods, particularly within or around school environments. Data cited by the board shows that children aged 4 to 10 years derive about 13 per cent of their daily calorie intake from sugar, while those aged 11 to 18 years get around 15 per cent, far exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO)’s recommendation of just 5 per cent.

As per the official CBSE circular, these ‘sugar boards’ are not just symbolic, and are expected to serve as informative and educational displays, outlining:

–The recommended daily sugar intake for children

–The sugar content in commonly consumed foods and beverages

–The health risks associated with high sugar consumption

–Healthier dietary alternatives

Rising health concerns backed by research

A 2023 study from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health at PGIMER, Chandigarh, further validates the CBSE’s urgency. According to the report, the combined prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes among Indian school children stood at a concerning 15.35 per cent and 0.94 per cent, respectively.

While Type 1 diabetes remains more prevalent in younger age groups, Type 2 diabetes is rapidly rising among adolescents. Notably, regions like Manipur, Meghalaya, and parts of western India show higher-than-average rates.

How are schools responding?

Several institutions have welcomed the directive as a regulatory requirement and a crucial health intervention.

Nancy Syntika, associate vice president-zonal academics and principal of Sahakarnagar, Orchids The International School, said: “CBSE’s recent directive to set up ‘sugar boards’ is a welcome move in light of the alarming rise in childhood diabetes. Today’s children grow up in an environment where processed foods and sugary snacks are more accessible than ever, making early interventions crucial.”

She added that her school already enforces a no-junk-food policy, regularly monitors students’ snacks, and engages with parents to maintain healthy dietary practices at home. “The formation of a Sugar Board will help us take this commitment a step further by enabling structured monitoring and decision-making around food and wellness on campus,” she noted.

Moving beyond awareness: what states are doing

While the CBSE’s directive has nationwide implications, some states have already begun parallel or even earlier initiatives in line with these goals.

In Karnataka, proactive steps were taken in March when the state government halted the distribution of ‘chikki’ (a traditional candy made of peanuts and jaggery or sugar) in government schools due to health concerns. According to local reports, the Department of School Education and Literacy instead recommended distributing eggs or bananas as healthier options under the midday meal scheme.

These actions reflect an emerging consensus among education and health authorities that unchecked sugar consumption poses a long-term threat to the well-being of children.

Legal and policy foundations

The movement to regulate food environments in and around schools is not new. In 2015, the Delhi High Court directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to enforce guidelines limiting the sale of food high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) in school canteens and within 50 metres of school premises. This ruling was based on the growing recognition that unhealthy food environments contribute significantly to diet-related non-communicable diseases.

FSSAI later developed the ‘Food Safety and Hygiene Guidelines for Safe Reopening of School Canteens/Mess’ as part of the national Covid-19 response. These guidelines emphasised the need to consume three balanced meals and two healthy snacks per day, limit free sugar intake to below 5 per cent of total daily calories, and avoid empty-calorie beverages like sugary fruit juices and sodas.

The role of parents and community

While institutional efforts are critical, school leaders believe sustainable change must extend beyond classrooms and cafeterias.

Mr Praneet Mungali, trustee of the Sanskriti Group of Schools, told the Indian Express, “One of the biggest threats to this is the easy availability of processed food that contains processed sugar. Its long-term impact on one’s physical health is well-documented, yet often overlooked. The CBSE’s initiative to promote awareness around processed sugar in schools is commendable… However, real impact will only come when parents are also brought into the conversation.”

He emphasised the importance of involving families in seminars, workshops, and ongoing conversations about nutrition. “While children can be educated on making better choices, the decisions surrounding what is cooked or stocked in the pantry are largely influenced by adults,” he added.

By involving students, educators, and parents alike, the initiative presents an opportunity to curb sugar intake and foster a culture of mindful eating and long-term wellness. However, the success of such efforts will depend on consistent implementation, community engagement, and regular monitoring across both public and private school systems.