Odisha’s government colleges have been asked to rethink their food menus and reduce the use of cooking oil, with the state higher education department directing institutions to cut down on deep-fried and oil-heavy dishes served in hostels and canteens.

The department issued the advisory to principals of all government and government-aided colleges on Friday (August 28), citing continuing global supply disruptions and the economic pressures arising from them. The government said the measures were also intended to encourage healthier eating among students, The Indian Express reported.

With more than 1,000 government colleges catering to around 2.87 lakh students, the department's instructions could affect food practices across a large network of educational institutions in the state.

Colleges have been specifically advised to avoid oil-intensive breakfast items such as puris, vadas and bondas (aloo chops). While deep-fried food should be reduced, the department stressed that nutritional requirements of students should not be compromised.

The advisory also encouraged institutions to favour traditional cooking oils and ghee, including mustard oil and groundnut oil, over imported palm, sunflower and soyabean oil.

“The world has been facing repeated supply chain disruptions and crisis since the COVID pandemic. The conflict in Ukraine also resulted in supply-side issues of food, fertiliser and fuel. The recent conflict in lran has further exacerbated this food, fuel and fertiliser crisis,” the letter read.

The state government said the measures were necessary because India, like other countries, was facing the economic consequences of global disruptions affecting food, fuel and fertiliser supplies.

“The move is also aimed at promoting healthier eating habits among the students and youths,” an official told the newspaper.

The advisory comes several months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged households across the country to reduce their consumption of cooking oil by 10%, linking the appeal to both public health and India's dependence on imported edible oils.

Odisha has also asked colleges to take the campaign beyond their kitchens. Volunteers associated with the National Service Scheme and Youth Red Cross have been encouraged to conduct awareness programmes highlighting the need to reduce oil consumption.