Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has advised principals of government-run and aided colleges to reduce the use of cooking oil in hostel and canteen food as part of efforts to promote healthier and more sustainable food practices.
In a directive issued by Deputy Secretary Ramesh Chandra Behera, colleges have been asked to remove high-oil breakfast items such as puris, vadas and bondas from hostel and canteen menus.
The move comes amid concerns over global supply-chain disruptions and their economic impact, particularly in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing international conflicts.
Colleges have also been encouraged to promote the use of traditional Indian cooking oils instead of imported alternatives and create greater awareness about responsible oil consumption.
The government has further advised institutions to involve NSS and Youth Red Cross volunteers in awareness programmes aimed at encouraging students, families and communities to reduce excessive oil consumption at the household level.
The initiative seeks to combine healthier dietary practices with greater awareness about the economic and wider impact of cooking-oil consumption.
-OdishaAge
