No junk food near schools, varsities

The Centre on Monday told the Delhi high court that it was against sale of junk food and carbonated drinks in and around educational institutions and communicated with the chief ministers and others in this regard.

The Centre on Monday told the Delhi high court that it was against sale of junk food and carbonated drinks in and around educational institutions and communicated with the chief ministers and others in this regard.

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"The chief ministers and the health ministers of all the states have been told to consider issuing instructions to the VC of all universities, including medical and agricultural universities, for withdrawal of junk foods and carbonated drinks from canteens of educational institutions," an affidavit filed on behalf of the health ministry, said.

The affidavit was filed before a HC bench, which has been hearing a PIL, filed by an NGO, seeking a ban on junk foods and aerated drinks in and around educational institutions.

The court had asked the health ministry to apprise it of the steps taken to create awareness among students about "harmful effects of increased consumption of junk food".