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1. Flawed food regulations fuel the obesity crisis
The increasing prevalence of obesity in India highlights the urgent need for stringent food regulations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to tackle obesity and the 2025 Economic Survey’s recommendation of imposing a ‘health tax’ on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are commendable steps. However, these efforts risk being undermined by India’s weak and industry-friendly food marketing regulations. The National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) reports that one in four adult men and women in India are obese, while one in four adults are either diabetic or pre-diabetic.
Challenges in Labelling and Advertising
India’s food labelling and advertising regulations remain ambiguous and ineffective. In September 2022, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR), a ‘health star’ labelling system modeled after Australia’s flawed framework. This system assigns stars from half a star (least healthy) to five stars (healthiest). However, it fails to accurately highlight the risks associated with high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt (HFSS) foods. For instance, biscuits and soft drinks receive two stars instead of clear warning labels, misleading consumers into believing they are healthier than they actually are.
Right to Information (RTI) responses reveal that the FSSAI relied on an IIM Ahmedabad study, which was never critically evaluated, to justify this rating system. Additionally, food industry representatives influenced key decisions, sidelining scientific experts. The FSSAI ignored its own 2021 draft regulations that recommended mandatory ‘traffic light’ colour-coded warnings and instead adopted a weaker star-rating system due to industry lobbying.
Globally, front-of-pack warning labels have proven effective in reducing UPF consumption. For instance, Chile’s black ‘high in’ labels led to a 24% reduction in UPF consumption. India’s current regulations, however, allow misleading advertising without mandating clear nutritional disclosures. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, defines misleading advertisements as those that conceal important information. Yet, the FSSAI does not mandate the disclosure of sugar, fat, or salt content in advertisements, allowing products like soft drinks to target children without warning them about high sugar content.
Need for Regulatory Reforms
India’s existing four laws to curb misleading advertising of HFSS/UPFs remain ineffective. The National Multisectoral Action Plan, 2017, recommended amendments to these laws to restrict HFSS food advertisements, but no regulatory action has been taken.
The 2025 Economic Survey calls for stringent front-of-pack warning labels and stricter marketing curbs. To address the obesity crisis effectively, India must:
(i) Replace the Indian Nutrition Rating system with mandatory warning labels based on the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) guidelines.
(ii) Establish clear sugar, salt, and fat limits for HFSS foods, following WHO-SEARO and ICMR-NIN recommendations.
(iii) Close advertising loopholes by amending existing laws or introducing a unified regulation banning HFSS/UPF advertisements.
(iv) Launch nationwide awareness campaigns in all languages on the health risks of UPFs.
Conclusion
India’s obesity crisis is a result of policy failure rather than public failure. The 2025 Economic Survey provides a roadmap for necessary reforms, but urgent action is required to implement these recommendations. Without decisive regulatory intervention, India’s goal to curb obesity by 2025 will remain unattainable. The government must prioritize public health over corporate interests to ensure a healthier future for its citizens.
2. The Indian university and the search for a V-C
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released the Draft Regulations, 2025, regarding the appointment and promotion of teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges. The draft regulations propose significant changes in the selection of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs), leading to debates on university governance.
Role of the State Executive in V-C Selection
The Supreme Court of India has ruled against the involvement of the State executive in the selection of V-Cs. Previously, State governments had representatives in the search-cum-selection committees, but court rulings—such as Gambhirdan K. Gadhvi vs The State of Gujarat (2019) and Sonali Chakravarti Banerjee (2022)—have invalidated such practices.
The 2025 draft regulations now limit the selection process to highly qualified individuals, ensuring that neither the State nor Central executive influences appointments. However, since State universities operate primarily under State laws and rely on State funding, some argue that the State should retain a say in V-C appointments to align university goals with regional needs.
Possible Reforms in Selection Process
Two possible solutions emerge:
(i) Consensus-Based Representation: The university executive could nominate an independent academic acceptable to the State government, ensuring fair participation without direct political interference.
(ii) Allowing State Nominees with Conditions: The UGC could permit a State nominee in the search-cum-selection committee, provided they are a former V-C or an eminent academic, not a serving government official.
Broadening the Eligibility for V-C Position
The draft regulations also propose expanding the eligibility criteria for Vice-Chancellors to include individuals with expertise in public policy, governance, industry, and international organizations. While courts previously interpreted UGC regulations restrictively—limiting candidates to those with direct academic experience—there is now a shift towards a more inclusive approach.
Global best practices suggest that post-tertiary education, research achievements, communication skills, networking abilities, and interdisciplinary expertise are crucial for university leadership. The selection should move beyond traditional academic roles to include professionals from diverse backgrounds, including public service, creative fields, and even diplomacy.
The Future of University Leadership
The evolving nature of higher education demands that universities balance academic excellence with innovation and adaptability. The days of universities functioning in isolation are over, and future V-Cs must be visionaries who can engage with industry, government, and international institutions.
The UGC’s proposed changes aim to modernize Indian university governance. However, ensuring State participation without political interference and broadening the talent pool while maintaining academic standards will be key challenges in implementing these reforms.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in The Hindu and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed herein are those of the author of original article. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context and to exercise their own judgment while interpreting the analysis. The analysis does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any political, economic, or social perspective.
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