The first consultation to evolve a national Nutrition Strategy was held in NITI Aayog on 28th October 2015 and was chaired by Ms. Sindhushree Khullar, CEO, NITI Aayog. Mandated to analyse the emerging data on undernutrition and formulate a specific strategy for poorly performing states and districts, in consultation with the Ministries of Women and Child Development and Health and Family Welfare, NITI Aayog anchored this milestone meeting. This was the first in a series of consultations, designed to include states, sectoral ministries and other stakeholders including experts, professional bodies, international agencies, voluntary agencies and community based organizations.

Mr. V. Somasundaran, Secretary Women and Child Development; Mr. C.K. Mishra, Additional Secretary Health and Family Welfare and other senior officials from the NITI Aayog, Ministries of WCD, Health and Family Welfare, Statistics and Programme Implementation and Additional Registrar General of India shared valuable insights on the key priorities and design of the Nutrition Strategy, as well as Nutrition data. Ongoing initiatives under the Integrated Child Development Services, National Health Mission and other programmes were highlighted. Representatives of international agencies such as World Bank, UNDP, UN Women, UNICEF and WHO also shared their views at this forum.

NITI Aayog has been tasked with preparing the draft Nutrition Strategy by the end of December 2015, in consultation with both the concerned ministries, sectoral experts, States and other relevant stakeholders. It was decided that an Inter-Ministerial Group on Health and Nutrition Data will also be constituted, to identify the focus districts and finalize recommendations for monitoring and tracking progress of the Nutrition Strategy.

National Nutrition Strategy consultation launched to address undernutrition, target poorly performing districts and establish inter-ministerial monitoring. A multi-stakeholder process was launched to prepare a National Nutrition Strategy focused on analysing undernutrition data and designing targeted interventions for poorly performing districts and states, coordinated with the Ministries responsible for women, child development and health. An Inter-Ministerial Group on Health and Nutrition Data will be constituted to identify focus districts, finalize monitoring and tracking recommendations, and support inter-sectoral coordination; a draft strategy is to be prepared within the stated preparatory timeframe incorporating inputs from states, experts and partner agencies.