On the 10th of December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the new Parliament complex.
The project is a part of the Central Vista Project, aiming to build and refurbish government buildings and infrastructure.
The Central Vista Project is worth Rs. 20,000 crores.
The new Parliament complex would be a part of the Central Vista project. The project aims to build and refurbish the government buildings on part of the 3 km Rajpath, that stretches from the presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate.
The new Parliament complex would be a four-storied building over an area of 64,500 sq meters worth Rs. 971 crores.
Mr. Modi laid the foundation of the Parliament stone at 1:00 P.M., after the bhoomi poojan.
Mr. Modi later at 2:15 P.M., addressed the people and expressed pride on the development of the new Parliament during an independent India. The new Parliament is a symbol of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self reliant India.)
Mr. Modi in his speech said, “The new Parliament building is an example of the co-existence of the new and the old. This is an effort to make changes within oneself in accordance with the time and needs.” Adding to it, the PM of India said, “Old Parliament building gave a new direction to India after independence. The new building will be a witness to the building of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
He also said, “…Day will soon come when out countries will say ‘India is (a) mother of democracy.” He further added, “Democracy elsewhere mostly about polls and governance; in India it’s (the) way of life, soul of Nation’s life.”
The old Parliament complex was built under the rule of British Government pre independence. The foundation stone for the existing Parliament complex was laid on the 12th of February 1921.
After independence, it was under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) the Government of India (GoI,) initiated to construct a new Parliament.
Mr. Modi felt proud and said, “Future generations will feel proud of a Parliament building made in independent India.” He further added, “New Parliament building will fulfill the country’s aspirations.”
He said the old Parliament fulfilled the needs of the Country, but the new one would fulfill the aspirations of the Nation.
Speaking of the difference between the new and the old Parliament, Mr. Modi said the new building would not have a space crunch like the old.
There would be an additional space for visitors to meet representatives. Besides this, the new building would also have a grand Constitution Hall to showcase India’s democratic heritage, a lounge for members of Parliament, a library, multiple committee rooms, dining areas and ample parking space.
The Lok Sabha chamber would also have a seating capacity for 888 members, while Rajya Sabha would have 384 seats.
The foundation ceremony was a grand event. The ceremony was attended by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, foreign envoys and Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla.
The Parliament complex would be ready by the 75th Independence Day, the 15th of August 2022.
Stay tuned for further updates.
