GUJARAT LAUNCHES “SUGAR BOARD” INITIATIVE IN SCHOOLS TO COMBAT RISING DIABETES AMONG CHILDREN

State takes preventive step to promote healthier food habits among students

In a major health-focused initiative, the Gujarat government has directed all schools in the state to install “Sugar Boards” on their premises. This move is aimed at raising awareness among students about excessive sugar intake and its impact on health, especially as India faces rising cases of childhood obesity and Type-2 diabetes.

The initiative will be implemented across government, private, and aided schools, with strict monitoring from the education department. Each school is required to display a dedicated board in a prominent area like the school corridor, canteen, or main noticeboard. The purpose is to educate students about the recommended daily sugar intake, the sugar content in commonly consumed snacks, and the dangers of overconsumption.

Why This Step?

Recent health data has revealed a worrying trend: a significant rise in lifestyle-related diseases among children. On average, Indian children are consuming three times more sugar than the limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is contributing to a surge in conditions like obesity, diabetes, and dental problems at an early age.

In Gujarat, the issue has become particularly pressing, prompting authorities to act swiftly. According to a state health department report, early-onset diabetes is now being detected in children as young as 10 years old.

What Will the Sugar Boards Show?

The boards will provide:

Recommended daily sugar intake for different age groups.

Sugar content in popular packaged foods and beverages (like soft drinks, candies, energy drinks, cakes, etc.).

Harmful effects of consuming too much sugar.

Healthier food alternatives that students can choose instead.


Additionally, schools have been asked to organize regular workshops, awareness sessions, and health talks involving nutritionists, doctors, and parents to reinforce the message.

CBSE’s Earlier Initiative Gains State Support

This initiative echoes a similar move made by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) earlier this year. CBSE had directed its affiliated schools to introduce “Sugar Boards” and conduct awareness activities under the “Eat Right Campaign,” supported by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India).

Now, Gujarat becomes one of the first states to extend this practice across all schools, regardless of board affiliation.

Expert Voices

Health experts have lauded the move, calling it “a step in the right direction” to tackle an epidemic of poor food habits among youth.

“Early intervention is the best form of prevention. If children become aware of the sugar content in everyday snacks, they’re more likely to make better choices,” said Dr. Neelam Patel, a pediatric endocrinologist based in Ahmedabad.

Nutritionists have also emphasized the importance of visual learning tools like these boards in encouraging long-term behavioral change.

Schools Begin Implementation

Several schools in cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, and Vadodara have already begun setting up the Sugar Boards. School principals are coordinating with teachers, dieticians, and students to make the boards interactive, informative, and engaging.

“We are not just putting up a board and forgetting about it. We’re planning sugar-awareness weeks, quizzes, and student-led health clubs,” said Anjali Desai, Principal of a private school in Surat.