Education / Odisha College Hostels To Reduce Cooking Oil Use After PM Modi’s Call

Bhubaneswar, Aug 28: Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide call to reduce edible oil consumption amid global food, fertilizer, and fuel crises, the Odisha Higher Education Department has directed government and aided colleges to adopt measures that promote healthier and sustainable food practices, officials said on Friday.

The department has instructed college hostels and canteens to minimize the use of cooking oil while preparing meals for students. Authorities have specifically advised avoiding deep‑fried breakfast items such as puri, vada, and bonda, urging instead a shift towards less oily alternatives that retain nutritional value.

Officials emphasized the need to reduce dependence on imported oils like palm, sunflower, and soybean. Instead, colleges have been encouraged to promote traditional options such as ghee, mustard oil, and groundnut oil, which are locally available and culturally rooted.

In addition, the directive calls upon NSS and Youth Red Cross volunteers to organize awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of reducing oil usage in daily cooking. These initiatives aim to sensitize students and households about healthier dietary practices, aligning with the Prime Minister’s appeal for resource conservation and sustainable living.
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The move reflects a broader effort to balance public health with national priorities, ensuring that food habits adapt to global challenges while safeguarding nutritional standards. By targeting educational institutions, the department hopes to instill long‑term awareness among young citizens, making them active participants in the campaign for responsible consumption.

Officials reiterated that the initiative is not merely about restriction but about encouraging healthier, traditional alternatives that can strengthen both community health and self‑reliance.