The state government has banned the sale of soft drinks, chocolates, popcorn, jelly, chewing gum and junk food like burgers and pizzas at cafeterias and canteens in educational institutions School and college students in Tamil Nadu will no more enjoy the luxury of having aerated drinks or eat ice cream, chocolates and fast foods like burger and pizzas while attending educational institutions. With summer approaching and the reported cases of increase in diseases among students, the state government with immediate effect has banned the sale of soft drinks, chocolates, popcorn, jelly, chewing gum and junk food like burgers and pizzas at cafeterias and canteens in educational institutions and also within its vicinity. The state government issued an order and sent it to all educational institutions through its department of civil supplies and consumer protection. The management of schools and colleges can also lodge complaints with the local administration if this order is violated and prompt action will be initiated by the police. Police patrols around educational institutions will keep vigil to ensure such products are not sold by nearby shops or vendors to students. Usually students spend their pocket money given to them by parents on aerated drinks, and junk food at school and college and their health deteriorate because of inferior quality of these eatables. Many social organisations and welfare agencies have been urging the Tamil Nadu government to initiate action in the larger interests of the student community. Taking cognisance of such requests, the government formulated a policy banning the sale of these drinks and eatables and instead suggested the sale of snacks like chhola, ground nut cakes and balls, vegetable soup, soya milk, fresh fruit juice, buttermilk, curd, and items made out of fresh vegetables.