In a major ruling aimed at safeguarding the health and nutritional well-being of children, the Rajasthan High Court has issued strict directives banning the sale of junk food inside schools as well as in their immediate surroundings. Under the new judicial orders, the restriction extends not just to school canteens but also covers a 50-meter radius outward from every school gate, completely prohibiting the commercial availability of items high in fat, sugar, and salt, commonly categorized as HFSS products.
Justice Anup Kumar Dhand's bench took suo motu cognizance of the matter, placing prime importance on the physical health and future of young students. Consequently, carbonated drinks, packaged chips, bakery products containing trans fats, and various other forms of junk food will no longer be permitted near educational institutions. The core objective behind this regulatory push is to shield growing children from the adverse physiological effects of unhealthy diets and to cultivate a genuinely health-conscious environment around schools.
The court's mandate goes far beyond merely halting the commercial sale of unhealthy snacks. It encompasses a comprehensive framework addressing food safety, nutritional standards, and lifestyle habits within schools. Notably, the bench expressed deep concern over the escalating mobile screen time among children, highlighting the urgent necessity to foster active, healthy lifestyles. To maintain continuous oversight, all schools are required to establish an internal food safety and nutrition committee within four weeks to monitor the quality of edible items supplied on premises.
Enforcement mechanisms have also been put in place to ensure compliance at the grassroots level. District collectors and block education officers are now mandated to conduct regular inspections of educational facilities. Furthermore, all district collectors have been specifically directed to carry out surprise inspections of rural schools and submit their findings. This administrative vigilance aims to guarantee that students across both urban and rural settings receive proper care and wholesome dietary options.
To ensure total transparency regarding dietary consumption, educational institutions have been given an eight-week window to install prominent menu boards inside their canteens. These boards must explicitly display calorie counts and detailed nutritional information for every food item offered, enabling both students and parents to make informed choices. Additionally, authorities must strictly uphold prescribed balanced diet standards across mid-day meal programs and other nutritional welfare initiatives to ensure optimal nourishment for every child.
