Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stressed the importance of a united national effort to tackle malnutrition, involving government, businesses, communities, and individuals. Speaking at a CSR Conclave on Nutrition organized by the National Dairy Development Board, Goyal highlighted the crucial role of eliminating malnutrition in shaping a prosperous and sustainable India.
Goyal pointed out that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) offers a unique platform to merge business activities with social welfare, especially in addressing malnutrition. He noted that while companies are required by law to allocate 2% of their net profits to CSR initiatives, this should be viewed as a starting point rather than a restriction. CSR, according to Goyal, presents an opportunity for companies to make significant contributions to society.
The Minister also acknowledged the voluntary contributions made by many individuals and organizations towards social causes, surpassing the mandatory CSR spending. He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to intensify their efforts in the battle against malnutrition, underscoring the importance of collaborative action in addressing this complex challenge.
Highlighting the significance of coordinated efforts, Goyal praised the inter-ministerial coordination demonstrated in the program, involving various government departments working together under the Prime Minister’s vision of a comprehensive approach. He emphasized that when the government functions collectively, programs become more impactful at the grassroots level, leading to effective outcomes.
Minister of State for Cooperation, Krishan Pal Gurjar, highlighted the transformative power of CSR in driving social change beyond mere charity. Goyal reiterated the Prime Minister’s emphasis on innovation and innovative financing, stating that combating malnutrition requires a collaborative approach. He described the program as an innovative model that aligns CSR initiatives with nutrition goals, fostering shared value for society and the economy.
