In a significant step towards addressing malnutrition among government school children, the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited, a Navratna CPSE (HUDCO) launched the Gift Milk Programme in Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur and Mungeli districts of Chhattisgarh, under its CSR initiative.
Shri Tokhan Sahu, Hon’ble Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, inaugurated the program at the Government School Sendri, in Bilaspur on 30 November 2024. Shri Sanjay Kulshrestha, CMD HUDCO, Shri Sushant Shukla, Member of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly from Beltara, Shri M. Nagaraj, Director (Corporate Planning), Dr. V Sridhar, Senior General Manager, NDDB along with other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
In his inaugural address, the Hon’ble Minister emphasized that eradicating malnutrition among children is one of the core development goals of the Government of India. This initiative of distributing fortified flavored milk in schools is going to set an example in addressing the issue of under-nutrition among school-going children. He reiterated the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s message that a healthy mind and body, nourished by wholesome food such as milk, are essential for enhancing learning aptitude. This, he noted, is fundamental for social transformation and the prosperity of the nation. He congratulated HUDCO for launching this impactful initiative under its CSR program and distributed flavored milk and water bottles to the children. He encouraged them to eat well and stay focused on their studies.
Shri Sanjay Kulshrestha, CMD HUDCO, highlighted the significant role of milk in the physical and cognitive development of children. He encouraged students to take full benefit from the program by drinking the fortified milk, which will be distributed daily in their schools.
Shri M. Nagaraj, Director (Corporate Planning) HUDCO, emphasized that improving children’s nutritional status not only enhances their health but also strengthens their ability to learn and perform at school, thereby fostering the sustainable growth and development of future generations.
The Gift Milk Programme entails supplying 200ml of fortified flavoured milk to each child on all 175 working days of the academic session, to benefit 8000 children across 83 government primary and middle schools (classes 1 to 8) with a special focus on girls’ schools and those located in tribal areas. The programme will be implemented by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Foundation for Nutrition, which will collaborate with local dairy cooperative and producer companies to serve as suppliers, ensuring the success of this important program.
