The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a directive to all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to prioritize student health by promoting healthy food choices and restricting the sale of unhealthy options on campus.
The UGC emphasizes the seriousness of the growing public health crisis in India, citing alarmingly high rates of obesity and diabetes. Based on recommendations from the National Advocacy in Public Interest (NAP|), a group of nutrition experts, the UGC urges HEIs to prohibit the sale of unhealthy foods in canteens and encourage the availability of nutritious alternatives. This directive aims to curb the rise of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) by reducing the consumption of unhealthy, highly processed foods.
This latest notification follows previous advisories issued in 2016 and 2018, urging HEIs to take proactive steps towards promoting healthy food environments on campus.
