Jaipur, Aug 25 (IANS) The Rajasthan High Court has prohibited the sale of junk food in school canteens and within a 50-metre radius of school gates across the state, citing concerns over children’s health, education and overall development.
A bench headed by Justice Anup Kumar Dhand on Monday expressed concern over the availability of junk food in and around schools, as well as rising screen time among children.
The court directed schools to strictly prohibit the sale of food items high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS), including carbonated drinks, chips, bakery products containing trans fats and other junk food.
District Magistrates and Block Education Officers have been directed to conduct monthly inspections to ensure compliance.
The court noted that guidelines for safe and balanced food in schools were formulated in 2020, but effective implementation remains inadequate even after more than six years. To strengthen compliance, every school must constitute a School Food Safety and Nutrition Committee within four weeks.
Schools have also been directed to display a menu board within eight weeks, providing details such as calorie count, ingredients and nutritional information for food items sold in canteens.
The court further directed authorities to ensure that midday meals and other nutritional schemes meet prescribed balanced-diet standards, with the aim of protecting children from obesity and lifestyle-related diseases.
The High Court also stressed the need to use technology and artificial intelligence in education while ensuring that these tools do not replace fundamental learning practices.
The court emphasised the importance of handwriting, reading books, taking notes and written examinations as part of children’s basic learning.
Directions were also issued to fill vacant teaching posts in rural government schools and improve essential facilities, including smart classrooms, computers, internet connectivity, health check-ups, toilets, drinking water and sports facilities.
All District Collectors have been directed to conduct surprise inspections of rural schools and submit compliance reports to the court within eight weeks.
–IANS
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