Hyderabad’s CBSE schools begin ‘sugar board’ rollout

How much sugar is hiding in your child’s snack? Across Hyderabad, schools are putting up “sugar boards” or visual charts that reveal the added sugar content in everyday packaged foods. The move follows a CBSE directive issued in May 2024 to combat rising childhood obesity and diabetes. Schools have until July 15 to submit proof of implementation, complete with photos and awareness activities.

With classes resuming after the summer break, the rollout is in full swing. Students are helping create the boards — collecting wrappers, researching labels and hosting peer sessions. “Our goal is not just to inform but involve,” says Monali Mahapatra of Vidyanjali High School, Lingampally, where students are now influencing families too.

Poster contests, peer-led workshops and sugar-tracking habits are catching on. At Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Public School, some students have begun swapping junk food for homemade snacks. “Initially they resisted giving up soft drinks and chocolates, especially on birthdays. Now, they are asking questions and making better choices,” said teacher Lakshmi Suvarchala.

Some schools have even banned chocolates during birthday celebrations, encouraging kids to bring home-cooked food, donate books or to plant saplings instead. Parents are taking note. “My child now reads food labels before eating. This change has reached our whole family,” said a parent at Orchid International School in Madhapur.

Many institutions have also roped in NGOs to spread awareness among parents. At Kendriya Vidyalaya in Gachibowli, sessions are ongoing and materials are being finalised. “There is strong support from staff and parents,” said teacher Vandana and PTG in-charge.

The CBSE campaign gained momentum after influencer Revant Himatsingka (FoodPharmer) spotlighted hidden sugars in kids’ foods. He welcomed the move, saying, “It is a massive shift to see children being taught the basics of health,” he said. “Sugar boards should be in colleges and offices too.”

From hesitant beginnings to active participation, the message is sinking in. As a Class 5 student from Vidyanjali put it, “Now I check the sugar before eating. I even told my brother to stop buying biscuits.”

(The writer, Rohan Dutta, is an intern with The Hindu)