Bhubaneswar- In a progressive move to support women and promote maternal and child health, the Odisha government has begun setting up breastfeeding centres at public locations across the state. The initiative was unveiled during the state-level observance of World Breastfeeding Week, reflecting the government’s commitment to creating more inclusive and women-friendly spaces.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated the first breastfeeding centre at the premises of the Odisha State Commission for Women in Bhubaneswar. On the same occasion, the ‘Lok Kalyan’ mobile app was also launched to enhance collaboration between social workers and the State Women Welfare Board.
The Deputy Chief Minister, who also oversees the Women and Child Development Department, announced that similar breastfeeding centres would be established at all major public places, including bus stands, railway stations, markets, and shopping malls. The aim is to ensure that mothers have access to clean, safe, and private areas where they can breastfeed their children without discomfort or social hesitation.
To support this effort, a female attendant will be appointed at each railway station to assist lactating mothers. In markets like Unit 1 and in busy shopping complexes, where the majority of visitors are women, facilities such as clean restrooms and breastfeeding rooms will also be mandated. The lack of such amenities, Parida noted, often has a negative impact on women’s health and their ability to attend to their infants.
The plan will further extend to government offices and service centres where women frequently visit for official work or grievance redressal. The Deputy CM highlighted the importance of nurturing the emotional and physical bond between mother and child, pointing out that breastfeeding not only offers critical nutrition to babies but also plays a key role in the mother’s health and emotional well-being.
She stressed that exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months significantly reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women and supports mental wellness for both mother and child. Calling for a collective effort from all sections of society, she urged that every district and community in Odisha take part in expanding the availability of breastfeeding centres.
The event was attended by top officials, including Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Women & Child Development Department, and Monisha Banerjee, Director of WCD, who expressed their support for the initiative and reiterated the state’s commitment to strengthening women’s rights and welfare.
