Aurangabad, Jan 3:
For mothers who breastfeed their babies, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) had set up special feeding room ''Hirkani Kaksh'' at the central bus stand. However, many female passengers cannot find the room as it is located in the waiting room for Shivneri bus passengers. As a result, mothers have to breastfeed their babies while sitting on the platforms.
The feeding rooms were established on the suggestion of the Breastfeeding Promotion Network Council (BPNT), in 2013, at all ST bus stands in Maharashtra. The objective was that the mothers can breastfeed their babies in privacy and provide comfort to both mother and child. Chairs and mats were provided in these rooms. The Hirkani Kaksh at the central bus stand (CBS) is located inside the Shivneri bus waiting room. Hence passengers on the platform are not able to locate the feeding room easily. Posters nor signs informing about the room have not been put up at the platforms.
Lack of public awareness about the class
Many women seem to be unaware of the fact that there is a feeding room at the bus stand to breastfeed their babies. Many women demanded that the administration should put up posters and signs that must be easily visible to the passengers.
Poster to be placed
The bus station has had a Hirkani Kaksh for many years. There is a waiting room for Shivneri bus passengers in front of this room. The feeding room is cleaned regularly. A poster will be placed in the front area to make this room easily visible, said Sunil Shinde, depot manager, CBS.