India, April 5 -- The Maharashtra government has decided to introduce a "double-check" system to curb malnutrition by conducting joint screenings of children aged 0 to 6 years at anganwadi centres every six months, in collaboration with the state public health department.

The move marks the first time the health department will be formally roped in for large-scale growth monitoring alongside the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). The joint exercise will supplement the existing monthly check-ups carried out by anganwadi workers.

The initiative, termed growth monitoring, will be conducted using Growth Monitoring Devices (GMDs) through scientifically standardised methods, with data recorded on the Nutrition Tracker app. Children...