Ban junk food on college campuses, says UGC

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently directed all universities and higher education institutions to prohibit sale of junk food on their campuses after a directive from the HRD ministry was received, enjoining the UGC to do the same.

The UGC said in a communication to the universities, “Banning junk food in colleges will set new standards for healthy food, making the students live better, learn better and reduce obesity levels. This will prevent lifestyle diseases which have a direct link with excessive weight”. It also requested the authorities to ensure strict obedience to the advisory and create awareness among the youth who are pregnable.

The Central Board of Secondary Education

(CBSE) took a similar step two years back by asking all its affiliated schools to ensure unavailability of junk food in their school canteens and were also requested to inspect lunch boxes of students, create awareness about healthful food and religiously monitor students’ health. Further, all the schools affiliated to to the board were urged to try that no such food items are available around 200 metres of the school premises. Following a report by the Ministry of Women and Child Development on intake of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) and promotion of healthy snacks in schools, the circular was released.

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