Bhubaneswar, Aug 6: In a significant step toward maternal and child welfare in Odisha, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Wednesday urged business establishments, especially shopping malls, to establish dedicated breastfeeding centers for women.

The initiative aims to enhance public health and empower women with safe and comfortable spaces for nursing their infants, she said.

Coinciding with World Breastfeeding Week, the Department of Women and Child Development launched two new websites to raise awareness and facilitate services.

The state's first-ever breastfeeding center under the Women’s Commission has also been inaugurated, setting a precedent for widespread adoption. The Lok Kalyan App was unveiled to connect social workers with the Women's Welfare Board, fostering community engagement.

Officials announced plans to expand breastfeeding centers across public spaces including bus stands, railway stations, marketplaces, and government offices. Railway stations will also assign female attendants to support nursing mothers. Such access is especially critical in areas with high footfall, where women often struggle to find safe, hygienic spaces for infant care.

Health experts cited benefits of breastfeeding in preventing breast cancer, type-2 diabetes, and childhood malnutrition. The government emphasized that if over 75% of customers in malls are women, then facilities like clean drinking water, toilets, and breastfeeding centers must be prioritized. Government intervention will follow if establishments fail to comply.

This landmark move reflects a growing consciousness about gender-inclusive infrastructure and maternal support in urban spaces across Odisha.

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