Odisha Deputy CM urges breastfeeding centres in shopping malls

In a significant move to support nursing mothers, Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida urged shopping mall authorities to set up breastfeeding centres on Wednesday. This initiative is part of a broader campaign to promote public-friendly maternal spaces across the State.

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According to sources, the Deputy CM Parida has appealed to commercial establishments, particularly shopping malls, to open breastfeeding centres for the benefit of their women customers. She stressed the urgent need for dedicated breastfeeding and toilet facilities in malls where over 75 percent of shoppers are women.

The State government aims to extend this facility across bus stands, railway stations, weekly markets, and other public spaces, making them more inclusive and family-friendly. In line with World Breastfeeding Week, the Department of Women and Child Development has also launched two dedicated websites to support the cause.

The State’s first official breastfeeding centre was inaugurated today at the OSCW (Odisha State Commission for Women) premises. Another welfare initiative includes the launch of the Lok Kalyan App, which will allow social workers to connect with the Women’s Welfare Board digitally and help expand outreach.

Deputy CM Parida clarified that the intention is not to coerce businesses but to encourage their collaboration in creating safe and dignified spaces for mothers. She emphasised that a small private enclosure within malls could make a substantial difference and enhance customer experience for women.

“Two websites of the Women and Child Development Department were launched today on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week. We also launched the State’s first breastfeeding centre in Odisha at the OSCW. Breastfeeding centres in a women-friendly atmosphere will be opened in public places such as railway stations and bus stands,” the Deputy CM said.

Notably, World Breastfeeding Week is an annual observance that is held from August 1 to August 7 in more than 120 countries.