Fight against malnutrition must become national movement: Piyush Goyal

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

Addressing a conclave on nutrition here, he said eliminating malnutrition is essential for building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and securing the country’s long-term social and economic future.

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Goyal said that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) provides a unique opportunity to link business with social impact, particularly in addressing malnutrition. While the law mandates companies to spend two per cent of their net profits on CSR activities, he said this should be seen as the minimum threshold and not a limitation. He described CSR not as a burden, but as a valuable opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.

Highlighting that the spirit of service is deeply embedded in India’s history, culture and traditions, the minister said many individuals and organisations voluntarily commit a portion of their profits to social causes, far exceeding the mandated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) requirement.

He said the current programme serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to intensify efforts against malnutrition.

Building on this approach of collaborative action, Goyal said that malnutrition is a complex challenge that requires coordinated action.

He highlighted that the programme is a strong example of inter-ministerial coordination, with 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 working together in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of a “whole-of-government approach”, under which all departments work in synergy to address national priorities.

When the entire government moves together, programmes become more effective and impactful at the grassroots level, he added.

He underscored the central role of the Ministry of Women and Child Development in addressing the root causes of malnutrition. He said that ensuring proper nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood is crucial, as malnutrition often begins even before birth. Adequate nutrition for pregnant women and children during their formative years significantly improves long-term health outcomes, he noted.

Emphasising the importance of saturation, he said that programmes must reach every village, every household and every section of society. He said this initiative connects corporates with beneficiaries and ensures that different stakeholders play their respective roles in reaching the grassroots.