Finance
The Odisha government has started setting up special breastfeeding centers in public areas throughout the state as part of a significant effort to improve mother and child health.
At strategic sites like train stations, bus stops, marketplaces, and retail centers, the initiative seeks to establish a welcoming and women-friendly atmosphere.
On Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida opened the first breastfeeding center in the state at the Odisha State Commission for Women. The “Lok Kalyan” app was released concurrently with the launch to facilitate social workers’ cooperation with the State Women Welfare Board.
Speaking to the media, Parida stated that the government has made the decision to install breastfeeding facilities at all bus stops, train stations, and other public areas that women commonly use.
“These centres will provide a safe and peaceful space where mothers can breastfeed their children comfortably and with privacy,” she said. 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.
Plans to expand the program to government buildings and other public service hubs where women frequently attend for grievance resolution and other reasons were also disclosed by Parida.
An important step in improving the health and wellbeing of mothers and children in Odisha is this effort.
