New Delhi, July 15 -- Concerned over rising cases of child obesity in India, the Centre has asked states and Union territories to reduce added sugar, salt, preservatives, colors, and other synthetic ingredients in meals provided in government schools, and Anganwadi centres, an official aware of the matter said.

An Anganwadi is a rural child-care centre, started by the government in 1975 and tasked with providing basic healthcare services in villages and combatting child hunger and malnutrition.

The directive from the Women and Child Development ministry is aimed at tackling India's growing obesity, particularly among young children.

The directive from the Union women and child development ministry assumes significance given that 118 mi...