UGC Letter reg.: Banning Junk Food in Higher Educational Institutions

UGC Letter reg.: Banning Junk Food in Higher Educational Institutions

 

“Banning junk food in colleges will set new standards for health food and make the students live better, learn better and also reduce the obesity levels in young learners, thus preventing lifestyle diseases which have a direct link with excessive weight,” states the circular available on www.ugc.ac.in. The UGC is a statutory body to coordinate, determine and maintain the standards of higher education. While the circulars released by UGC are not binding, affiliated universities/colleges are expected to follow the rules as prescribed by the body.

What colleges will have to do

 

- Implement measures to sensitise students on ill effects of junk food

- Universities can serve as important data sources on students’ health. Information on markers like body mass index (BMI)/percentage of body weight/waist hip ratio, etc can help create awareness among students towards their health. BMI is the approximate measure of whether an individual is overweight or underweight, calculated by dividing their weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres

- Conduct orientation programs for faculty and staff on health issues

- Create wellness clusters under the Students Welfare Department to counsel students about proper nutrition, proper exercise and healthy habits. These wellness clusters can also provide psychological support to the students to prevent and reduce the incidence of obesity in young students

Similar incidents

 

- In January this year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) directed all affiliated schools to take junk food off their canteen menu. Schools were also asked to inspect lunch boxes of students, create awareness about nutritious food and regularly monitor students’ health. The circular was released following a report by the Ministry of Women and Child Development addressing consumption of foods High in Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) and promotion of healthy snacks in schools

- In May 2012, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had directed all schools to ban junk food and carbonated drinks, calling them “rich in calories but deficient in vital nutrients”. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations in May 2012 and all schools were asked to implement this ban at the earliest

PR Source | http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/junk-it-ugc-wants-college-canteens-to-take-fast-food-off-menu/story-ujBYSVzkhNG0YxiZOnzm9J.html

UGC Letter Link | http://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/2041864_letter-reg-junk-food-.pdf

Regards

Pralhad Jadhav

Senior Manager @ Library

Khaitan & Co

Blog | http://pralhad-fyilibrarian.blogspot.in/