Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Higher Education Department has 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 directive was issued following an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to citizens to contribute in small ways amid global supply chain disruptions.

In a letter addressed to principals of all government and non-government aided colleges, the department suggested several measures to reduce 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.

The department further asked institutions 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 Higher Education Department said the measures were aimed at contributing to efforts to manage the impact of prolonged global supply and economic disruptions.