Mumbai, August 23: All colleges and higher education institutes affiliated to University Grants Commission (UGC) have been asked to take measures regarding the sale of junk food in their campuses and to educate the student about the health hazards of consuming such unhealthy food. According to an ANI update, UGC has issued a notice to Vice Chancellors of all universities requesting to ensure strict adherence to the advisory issued on November 16 for banning junk food in colleges to 'set new standards for healthy food and reduce obesity levels in Young Learners'.

Commenting on the advisory to ban junk food issued to universities, Rajnish Jain, Secretary UGC said, "This is a reinforcement of an earlier advisory where we asked to sensitise students about the ill effects of junk food and to adopt healthy food practices, it's not mandatory, but we expect all to follow."

As per an Indian Express report, UGC has advised colleges to conduct orientation programs for faculty and staff on the issues pertaining to health. The body further suggested setting up of centres which could serve as counselling places for proper nutrition and exercise and healthy habits, as well as psychological support to prevent and reduce the incidence of obesity in young students. The circular was issued after a directive from the HRD ministry, asking the UGC to ban the sale of junk food on premises of higher education institutions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 23, 2018 10:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).