In response to alarming issues around childhood diabetes and sugar overconsumption, several Mumbai schools are stepping up efforts to reduce sugar intake among students, with the help of informative banners, revamped menus, and direct conversations. The initiative follows guidelines issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), pushing educational institutions to actively address the critical issue.
Awareness around sugar spike
As part of this nationwide campaign, schools are beginning to install "Sugar Boards" at prominent locations to educate both students and parents about the risks of excessive sugar consumption.
According to a report by Mid-Day, St Pius School in Mulund is among the first private schools preparing to go live with the initiative. "We will start by putting up the sugar board at the school gates so that parents can see it too," said a school teacher.
The school plans to follow this up with a dedicated assembly session where young students will be introduced to the concept. Although the cafeteria still serves sugary drinks, school authorities are working on shifting to healthier alternatives and are hopeful about better student engagement after launching the sugar board.
The push comes amid growing concerns over the surge in Type 2 diabetes among children, with studies by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) revealing that sugar contributes to 13% of daily calorie intake for children aged 4–10 years and up to 15% for those between 11 and 18 years, nearly three times the recommended limit of just 5%.
The CBSE and NCPCR have highlighted the role of sugary snacks, packaged beverages, and processed food in school settings as a key factor in this spike.
Some schools have already taken preventive measures. At St Xavier’s School in Kanjurmarg, no cafeteria exists, and the only food available is the government-mandated mid-day meal, the same report suggested. The school also bans the distribution of sweets during birthday celebrations to discourage unhealthy eating habits and peer comparisons.
Meanwhile, municipal schools in BMC’s North Chembur Ward have received a circular from the education inspector, urging them to comply with the Sugar Board directive. The letter instructed all schools in the ward to "take note of the establishment of a Sugar Board, educate students, and take appropriate action."
To go beyond just visual reminders, schools are incorporating the initiative into their calendars through interactive means like assemblies, smart board presentations, and themed days focused on nutrition and health.
