UGC re-issues notice to ban junk food in college canteens

MUMBAI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently re-issued a notice to all universities to ban junk food in college canteens. Following the ban, it has come to light that in the year 2016, the University of Mumbai (MU) too had asked all its affiliated colleges to ban junk food. However, till date, the college canteens continue to supply junk food.

This notice from UGC to all the Vice Chancellors aims at curbing obesity and promoting a healthier lifestyle among students. “Banning junk food, making the students live better, learn better and reduce obesity levels. This will prevent lifestyle diseases which have a direct link to excessive weight,” said the notice from UCG. It further said, “You (VCs) are requested to ensure strict adherence to the advisory. Create awareness among the younger generation who are vulnerable.”

A source close to the MU said, “When Dr. Sanjay Deshmukh was the VC, he had issued a circular to all colleges as that was the time UGC first asked all the universities to cut junk food off the canteen. However none of them took it seriously.” He further said that since the UGC have made it as an order and not just any advisory, maybe MU would issue a strict order to colleges for it to follow.

When The Asian Age visited few of the colleges in Bandra, Andheri, Mulund and Kalyan areas, it was found that most of the canteen serves bread, burgers, rolls, chips, etc like junk food.

Michelle Philip, Principal of Wilson College, Charni Road however stated that her college only serves wholesome food and try to avoid unhealthy food. “We recently conducted a session for the students, who tend to skip morning breakfasts and are too much into dieting. To resolve these issues and future health problems, we conducted a talk session with renowned dietician. Furthermore, the canteen in both college and the hostel serve Udipi food, Indian fast food, etc.”