In an attempt to provide a safe environment to lactating mothers, the Uttar Pradesh State Roadways Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) will set up breastfeeding cubicles at all bus stations in the state.
The decision has been approved by the board member of UPSRTC and Rs 2.5 crore has been allocated for the phase by phase implementation of the project. The initiative is in line of changes taken by the UPSRTC after constant criticism over the safety of passengers.
According to a Hindustan Times report Raj Shekhar, Managing Director, UPSRTC said, “The step is aimed towards making the state’s bus stations lactating mother and newborn baby-friendly. The need to establish the breastfeeding cubicles was felt to provide a safe environment for lactating mothers so they could breastfeed their children at bus stations,”
“The proposed modern cubicles will have two baby feeding cabins and a utility cabin,” he said, adding that necessary arrangements have been made for maintaining the privacy and respect of mothers. The cubicles will have sufficient space to change the diapers of children and will have required facilities like LED lights and fans.
The cubicles made of lightweight stainless steel can be conveniently assembled or shifted to other places if needed. The UPSRTC headquarters has also finalised the plan and design for the baby feeding cubicles, and the regional managers will be directed to set it up by November.
Of the total 242 bus stations in Uttar Pradesh, 23 will be equipped with breastfeeding cubicles in the first phase under the public-private partnership model. For the rest of the 219 bus stations, the UPSRTC will set up the cubicles in the next three months.
Necessary instructions in Hindi and English will also be displayed at all places for public information, and better utilisation of these cubicles.
This move by the Uttar Pradesh government has gained a lot of attraction as it aims at making women feel comfortable and safe while breastfeeding their children, something that is frowned upon and found objectionable in society.
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