Bhubaneswar: In a landmark initiative to promote maternal and child health, the Odisha government has started setting up dedicated breastfeeding centres in public spaces.
The initiative, launched during the state-level celebration of World Breastfeeding Week on Wednesday, aims to create a supportive and women-friendly environment at key locations like railway stations, bus stands, markets, and shopping malls.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated the state’s first public breastfeeding centre at the Odisha State Commission for Women premises on Wednesday. Alongside the launch, the ‘Lok Kalyan’ App was introduced to help social workers collaborate with the State Women Welfare Board.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy CM said that the government has decided to set up breastfeeding centres at all bus stands, railway stations, and other public places frequently visited by women.
“These centres will provide a safe and peaceful space where mothers can breastfeed their children comfortably and with privacy,” said Parida, who also holds Women and Child Development portfolio.
To facilitate this, a female attendant will be deployed at each railway station to assist nursing mothers.
She further mentioned that markets (haats) like Unit 1 and shopping malls, where more than 85% of customers are women, must have clean toilets and breastfeeding rooms. The absence of such basic facilities can negatively impact women’s health.
Parida also revealed plans to extend the initiative to government offices and other public service centres where women regularly visit for grievance redressal and other purposes.
She emphasised the emotional and physical bond between mother and child, stating that “breastfeeding brings the child closer to the mother’s heart.”
She stressed the significant health benefits of breastfeeding, both for mothers and infants, including reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancers in women and improved mental well-being for both during the first six months of exclusive breastfeeding. She called upon all stakeholders to increase the rate of breastfeeding centre across Odisha and encouraged collective societal responsibility in promoting breastfeeding.
The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary, Department of Women & Child Development, and Monisha Banerjee, Director, WCD.
