Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Tuesday called for the fight against malnutrition to be transformed into a collective national movement involving government industry communities and individuals alike, asserting that eliminating malnutrition is essential for building a developed and resilient India.
Addressing a CSR Conclave on Nutrition organised by the National Dairy Development Board in New Delhi, the Minister said malnutrition remains a complex and multi dimensional challenge that can only be addressed through coordinated action and shared responsibility. He underlined that nutrition security is directly linked to the country’s social stability economic productivity and long term growth, and must therefore be treated as a national priority.
The Minister highlighted the growing importance of Corporate Social Responsibility as a catalyst for social transformation, particularly in the nutrition sector. While companies are mandated to spend two per cent of their net profits on CSR activities, he said this should be seen as a minimum benchmark rather than a ceiling. CSR, he stressed, is not an obligation but an opportunity for businesses to contribute meaningfully to society while creating long term value.
Pointing to India’s cultural traditions of service and philanthropy, the Minister noted that many individuals and organisations voluntarily invest far more than the statutory requirement in social causes. He described the conclave as a timely reminder for all stakeholders to intensify efforts against malnutrition and channel resources in a focused and outcome driven manner.
Emphasising the need for a whole of government approach, the Minister said the programme exemplifies strong inter ministerial coordination, with multiple ministries working in synergy to address nutrition security. He said such convergence ensures affordability availability and effective last mile delivery of nutrition interventions, translating policy intent into tangible grassroots impact.
The Minister observed that the role of institutions supporting animal husbandry and fisheries is critical in ensuring access to nutritious food such as milk and fish, which are vital for child and maternal health. By strengthening these sectors and linking them with CSR driven initiatives, nutritious food can be made accessible and affordable to vulnerable populations, he said.
He further underlined the central role of maternal and child nutrition, stating that malnutrition often begins before birth. Ensuring adequate nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood, he said, is crucial to preventing stunting underweight conditions and long term health complications. Interventions must therefore focus on the root causes of malnutrition and sustain support through the early years of growth.
The Minister stressed the importance of saturation, noting that nutrition programmes must reach every village every household and every section of society. He said institutions at the grassroots level play a key role in connecting beneficiaries with nutrition initiatives and ensuring effective implementation on the ground.
Innovation and innovative financing models were highlighted as essential tools in the fight against malnutrition. The Minister said the government alone cannot solve the problem and that linking CSR directly with nutrition outcomes creates shared value for society and the economy. Such models, he added, simultaneously benefit farmers women and children while strengthening livelihoods and local economies.
From a policy perspective, the Minister called for rigorous root cause analysis to ensure sustainable outcomes. Nutrition interventions must be continuous and integrated across life stages to deliver lasting results, he said, adding that complementary initiatives such as clean drinking water health awareness yoga and fitness programmes also play an important role in preventing malnutrition.
Appealing to the corporate sector, the Minister said investing in nutrition is an investment in India’s future workforce and future markets. Healthy children grow into productive and employable citizens, creating long term benefits for businesses and the economy.
He also called upon the media to highlight the positive impact of CSR driven nutrition initiatives, emphasising that such efforts are good for society and for business alike. Beyond corporates, he encouraged individuals to contribute by using personal milestones and celebrations as opportunities to serve the less fortunate.
Concluding his address, the Minister said that as India continues its efforts to lift millions out of poverty, the fight against malnutrition must be pursued with equal determination and urgency. He expressed confidence that with collective effort innovation and active public participation, the goal of a malnutrition free India is achievable.
