In a significant move to safeguard children's health, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated the establishment of 'Sugar Boards' in affiliated schools to monitor and curb sugar consumption. This directive has now ignited a strong demand from health and education experts in Karnataka for the introduction of both Sugar and Salt Boards in all state-affiliated schools, warning of an alarming rise in lifestyle-related disorders among students.
Urgent Call for Government Intervention
Neurologist Dr. Shushrutha Gowda emphasized the critical need for state government action, aligning with CBSE norms. He pointed to increasing cases of hypertension and juvenile diabetes as clear indicators of a public health crisis. "Excessive intake of salt and sugar is triggering numerous health issues in children," Dr. Gowda warned. "Foods high in these components, consumed beyond safe limits, can pave the way for severe long-term complications."
He highlighted the pervasive availability of junk food, which lacks any pictorial warnings despite known health risks. Citing recent studies on the rising trends of juvenile hypertension, diabetes, and childhood obesity, Dr. Gowda stressed that urgent public health intervention is non-negotiable to promote healthy dietary habits. "Implementing Sugar and Salt Boards is not costly. Educating children about healthy eating must be a core part of school education, or we risk burdening future generations with serious health problems," he added.
Addressing Dual Challenges: Obesity and Anaemia
Komala M, a professor in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Mysore (UoM), underscored the need to tackle both obesity and anaemia at the school level. She advocated for introducing home science as a subject from primary school to sensitize children about diet and nutrition. "While obesity is a growing urban challenge, anaemia remains prevalent in rural areas," Komala noted.
She proposed a practical solution: recruiting nutritionists at schools to guide children and parents. "The reach of junk food and bakery items has extended to rural regions as well. This makes it imperative to create awareness about the impact of consuming foods and beverages high in sugar and salt," she explained.
Stakeholders Seek Clear Guidelines
Echoing the experts' concerns, D Shashi Kumar, General Secretary of the Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools (KAMS), urged the state government to issue definitive guidelines on implementing Sugar and Salt Boards. "Junk food and products rich in bad cholesterol are creating serious health problems for children. This issue requires sustained awareness campaigns," Kumar stated.
The consensus among professionals is clear: with fast food and junk food becoming a staple in children's diets across all school types, proactive measures are essential. The proposed boards are seen as a vital first step in institutional monitoring and education, aiming to curb the silent epidemic of lifestyle diseases before it extracts a heavier toll from society.
