Malnutrition Must Be Fought as a National Mission: Piyush Goyal

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, on Tuesday emphasised that the fight against malnutrition must be pursued as a collective national responsibility involving the government, corporates, communities and individuals alike.

Addressing a CSR Conclave on Nutrition organised by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) here, Goyal said that eliminating malnutrition is essential for building a Viksit Bharat and securing the country’s long-term social and economic future.

Highlighting the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), he said CSR offers a unique opportunity to link business with meaningful social impact, particularly in addressing malnutrition.

While companies are legally mandated to spend 2 per cent of their net profits on CSR activities, he said this should be treated as a minimum benchmark and not a limitation. CSR, he added, should be seen as an opportunity rather than a burden.

The Minister noted that the spirit of service is deeply ingrained in India’s culture and traditions, with many individuals and organisations voluntarily contributing far beyond statutory CSR requirements.

He described the conclave as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to intensify efforts to eradicate malnutrition.

Minister of State for Cooperation, Krishan Pal Gurjar, addressing the conclave, said CSR has evolved into a powerful instrument for social transformation, moving beyond philanthropy to strategic social investment.

He cited initiatives such as Shishu Sanjeevani and Gift Milk by NDDB as examples of how CSR resources can be effectively translated into tangible social outcomes through local participation, transparency and last-mile delivery.

These programmes, he said, focus on aspirational districts, tribal areas, Anganwadi centres and government schools, ensuring alignment with local needs.

Minister Goyal underscored that malnutrition is a complex challenge requiring coordinated action.

He highlighted the inter-ministerial collaboration involving the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Cooperation, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Women and Child Development, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of a “whole-of-government approach.”

He said NDDB is playing a key role as an umbrella organisation enabling collaboration between government and industry. Emphasising the importance of nutrition-rich foods such as milk and fish, Goyal highlighted the role of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries in ensuring affordable access to nutritious food.

The Minister also stressed the critical role of the Ministry of Women and Child Development in addressing malnutrition at its roots, noting that proper nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood is vital to prevent stunting and long-term health issues.

Calling for saturation of programmes, Goyal said nutrition initiatives must reach every village, household and section of society. He said innovative financing and CSR-linked nutrition models are essential, as the government alone cannot tackle malnutrition.

Linking nutrition initiatives with farmer welfare, Goyal said programmes promoting fisheries and animal husbandry not only address malnutrition but also enhance farmers’ incomes, benefiting women and children in the process.

Appealing to corporates, the Minister said investing in nutrition is an investment in India’s future workforce and economic growth. He also urged individuals to contribute by using personal milestones and celebrations as opportunities to serve society.

Calling for people’s movement against malnutrition, Goyal expressed confidence that with collective effort, innovation and active societal participation, the goal of a malnutrition-free India is achievable.