Question : BREAST FEEDING

(a) whether a law was enacted in 1993 to protect and promote breast feeding in the country;

(b) whether from the experience gained in this regard and the amendments are considered desirable;

(c) if so, the details of shortcomings or the reinforcements considered necessary;

(d) the monitoring system being used in this connection apart from the National Breast Feeding Committee set-up for the purpose;

(e) whether UNICEF has been rendering helpful support to the NGOs for the purpose; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SUMITRA MAHAJAN)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b)&(c) Yes, Sir. The matter is under consideration.

(d) A person authorised in this behalf under sub- section (1) of section 20 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 or any officer not below the rank of Class-1 officer authorised by general or special order by the Government, can make a complaint in writing for violation of the provisions of the Infant Milk substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992. Besides, four voluntary agencies viz. Central Social Welfare Board, New Delhi, Indian Council for Child Welfare, New Delhi, Association for Consumer Action on Safety and Health, Mumbai and Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI), New Delhi have been authorised under Section 21(1)(c) of the Act to make a complaint in writing in case of violation of any provision of this Act.

(e)&(f) Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.