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जब काशी से उठी आवाज़: पैकेज्ड खाद्य पदार्थों पर चेतावनी की माँग में संत समाज की पहल

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 जब काशी से उठी आवाज़: पैकेज्ड खाद्य पदार्थों पर चेतावनी की माँग में संत समाज की पहल स्वस्थ भोजन, स्वस्थ समाज और बच्चों के बेहतर भविष्य के लिए काशी से उठी एक महत्वपूर्ण आवाज़ स्वास्थ्य केवल अस्पतालों और दवाइयों से नहीं बचाया जा सकता। हमारी रोज़मर्रा की भोजन-व्यवस्था, विशेषकर बच्चों और युवाओं द्वारा खाए जाने वाले पैकेज्ड एवं अल्ट्रा-प्रोसेस्ड खाद्य पदार्थ, आज सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य का एक महत्वपूर्ण प्रश्न बन चुके हैं। इसी चिंता को लेकर सितंबर 2022 में काशी के दो धार्मिक-सामाजिक संगठनों ने भारत सरकार के समक्ष पैकेज्ड खाद्य पदार्थों पर प्रभावी चेतावनी लेबल लगाने की मांग रखी। विश्व हिन्दू परिषद, काशी महानगर की अपील 28 सितंबर 2022 को विश्व हिन्दू परिषद, काशी महानगर (उत्तर जिला) के अध्यक्ष अनुराग त्रिवेदी ने प्रधानमंत्री को संबोधित पत्र भेजकर पैकेज्ड खाद्य पदार्थों पर फ्रंट-ऑफ-पैक लेबलिंग (FOPL) को अनिवार्य करने की आवश्यकता पर जोर दिया। पत्र में युवाओं में बढ़ते हृदय रोग के जोखिम और अत्यधिक नमक, चीनी तथा वसा वाले भोजन को लेकर चिंता व्यक्त की गई। इसमें कहा गया कि अस्वास्थ्यकर आहार पूरे श...
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From Civil Society Advocacy to Parliamentary Action: PVCHR's Contribution to Advancing Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling and Child Nutrition Policy in India

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  From Civil Society Advocacy to Parliamentary Action: PVCHR's Contribution to Advancing Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling and Child Nutrition Policy in India Lenin Raghuvanshi People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) Abstract Diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as one of India's most pressing public health challenges. Growing consumption of ultra-processed foods, particularly among children and economically disadvantaged populations, has intensified demands for stronger food regulation and transparent nutrition information. This article documents the advocacy undertaken by the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) that sought to frame unhealthy food environments as a human rights issue. It examines how sustained parliamentary engagement, evidence-based advocacy, and multi-party dialogue contributed to advancing the national discussion on Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL). Recent policy developments requiring ...
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NHRC Presses FSSAI for Answers: Is India's Food Environment Fueling a Public Health Crisis?

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  Case No.: 4227/90/0/2021 Diary No.: 15413/IN/2021 Complainants: Shruti Nagvanshi and Shirin Shabana Khan Authority Concerned: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Latest NHRC Action: Additional Information Called For (20 January 2026) Four Years Later, NHRC Still Awaits Answers The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) continues to pursue a landmark complaint concerning the impact of unhealthy food consumption on the health rights of youth, women, and children across India. In a significant development, the Commission has once again sought information from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), expressing concern that despite repeated notices and reminders, crucial information regarding expert committee findings and action taken has not been submitted. The case, originally filed in September 2021 by Shruti Nagvanshi and Shirin Shabana Khan, raises a fundamental question: Can the growing burden of diabetes, obesity, and non-communicable dise...
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Building a Tobacco-Free India Requires Public Health Champions: PVCHR’s Call for Action on NCDs

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Building a Tobacco-Free India Requires Public Health Champions: PVCHR’s Call for Action on NCDs By PVCHR | World No Tobacco Day On World No Tobacco Day, the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) reiterates that the fight against tobacco is not only a public health issue but also a human rights issue. Across India, millions of people continue to suffer from preventable Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory illnesses, stroke, and diabetes—many of which are directly linked to tobacco consumption and exposure. India carries one of the world's largest burdens of NCDs. These diseases not only claim lives prematurely but also push vulnerable families into poverty due to catastrophic healthcare expenses. The impact is especially severe among marginalized communities, where access to healthcare, awareness, and preventive services remains limited. For PVCHR, the issue of NCDs is deeply connected to dignity, equality, ...
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🚨 New Op-Ed | Front-of-Pack Food Warnings in India: A Test Case for the Global Right to Health

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 🚨 New Op-Ed | Front-of-Pack Food Warnings in India: A Test Case for the Global Right to Health Across the world, ultra-processed foods are fueling a silent public health crisis. In India, the rising burden of non-communicable diseases demands urgent, preventive action — and transparent front-of-pack warning labels can be a transformative step toward protecting the right to health. My latest Op-Ed examines how India stands at a pivotal moment. With ongoing proceedings before the National Human Rights Commission (Case No. 4227/90/0/2021) and the Supreme Court emphasizing the need to prioritize citizens’ health, the country has a historic opportunity not just to follow global standards — but to leapfrog into leadership . India’s decision will influence global food governance, strengthen consumer rights, and help build healthier futures for millions, especially children and vulnerable communities. The world does not need another hesitant regulator. It needs a champion — and India can...
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Participating in a National Dialogue on Gender Equity in Death Registration

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Reflections from the AIIMS Jodhpur Webinar On 22 January 2026 , I had the opportunity to participate in a national-level webinar titled “Closing the Gender Gap in Death Registration: Strengthening CRVS System for Equity & Accountability in Rajasthan.” The webinar was jointly organized by the School of Public Health, AIIMS Jodhpur and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator , bringing together public health professionals, researchers, civil society actors, and human rights advocates. Why Death Registration and CRVS Matter Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems are foundational to public health planning, social justice, and governance . Yet, gender disparities in death registration—particularly affecting women, marginalized communities, and rural populations—continue to undermine equity and accountability. The webinar highlighted: Structural and social barriers to death registration Gendered gaps in access to civil registration systems The link between C...
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Law Enforcement and Lifestyle Awareness Can Reduce Cancer and Diabetes Risks

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 Recent reports published in Hindustan (Varanasi edition, January 17, 2026) highlight two critical but often overlooked aspects of public health in India: the role of law enforcement and regulation in reducing cancer cases, and the importance of dietary awareness for people living with diabetes. Together, these reports underline how policy, prevention, and everyday lifestyle choices can significantly improve health outcomes. Strong Law Enforcement Can Help Reduce Cancer Risk One of the reports emphasizes that effective implementation of laws and regulations can play a major role in reducing cancer incidence. Experts point out that many cancer-causing factors—such as tobacco use, unsafe food products, environmental pollution, and unregulated chemicals—can be controlled only when laws are strictly enforced. Health professionals stress that: Bans and regulations on tobacco, gutkha, and other carcinogenic substances must be implemented seriously. Monitoring of ...
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