Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Friday asked government and non-government aided colleges to reduce the use of cooking oil in food prepared for students at hostels and canteens, and avoid the preparation of high-oil food items like puri and vada.
The Higher Education Department issued the directive following an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to citizens to contribute in small ways amid global supply chain disruptions worldwide.
In a letter addressed to principals of all government and non-government aided colleges, the department suggested several measures for the reduction of cooking oil consumption.
Colleges have been asked to issue instructions to their hostels and canteens to use less cooking oil while preparing food for students. They have also been advised to avoid high-oil items such as puris, vadas and bondas.
Institutions have been asked to reduce deep-fried food without compromising nutritional value.
It suggested promoting the use of traditional ghee, mustard oil and groundnut oil over imported palm, sunflower and soybean oil.
The department also said that National Service Scheme (NSS) and Youth Red Cross (YRC) volunteers may organise awareness programmes in communities to encourage people to reduce the use of cooking oil in their daily household cooking.
The measures are aimed at contributing to efforts to manage the impact of prolonged global supply and economic disruptions, said officials.