Hungry Forever: New Delhi: Sunday, August 20, 2017.
A little
while ago, there was massive speculation about whether making junk food and
aerated drinks available in and around schools is a good idea or not. Well,
looks like there is a final verdict on the debate. The Central Information
Commission has asked the Delhi government to consider prohibiting the sale of
junk food and colas near schools in the Capital.
Yashovardhan
Azad, Information Commissioner, appealed to the Delhi Government to take action
regarding the same, adding that the order be marked to Delhi chief secretary,
who was not party to the matter.
This
directive comes after a query filled in by a Delhi-based applicant, SP
Manchanda, under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which brought to light the
“hazards” that these food and drinks pose on the health of students.
Manchanda, a
resident of Keshav Puram, submitted the application in February inquiring about
the measures taken by the state government to control the sale of junk food and
fizzy drinks in the capital and steps taken to publicise their health hazards,
reports Economic Times.
“The query
raised by the appellant addresses public interest, particularly the health of
the children, which is at a high risk considering that the target consumer for
these products are the children,” Azad said in his order, further noting that
the Delhi government was not doing enough to impede the sale of junk food. “As
is well known, unfortunately, enough measures are not being taken to address
this menace posing threat to public health.”
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