The new building of the Parliament House was inaugurated on Sunday, 28th May. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla dedicated the new Parliament House to the nation. PM Modi also installed a historic scepter, ‘Sengol,’ near the Lok Sabha Speaker’s chair.
The Prime Minister addressed the gathering at the new Parliament building and referred to it as a temple of democracy. The presence of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the seers added significance to the occasion. The event marks the beginning of a new era for India’s democracy and emphasizes the country’s commitment to democratic values and inclusivity.
Many people may have questions about the need for the new Parliament House. The old Parliament Building was constructed in 1927 and is almost 100 years old. Both houses needed more seating arrangements for the Members of Parliament.
Considering this situation, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, both houses, requested the government to construct a new Parliament House on 5th August 2019. Subsequently, on 10th December 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the new Parliament House.
Special features of the new Parliament House:
. The old Parliament had a circular shape, while the new Parliament House was designed in a triangular shape.
. In the old building, the Lok Sabha has a seating capacity of 590, the Rajya Sabha has 280 seats, and the Visitor’s Gallery can accommodate more than 336 people. In contrast, the new Parliament House has 888 seats in the Lok Sabha and a seating arrangement for more than 336 people in the Visitor’s Gallery.
. Similarly, the new Rajya Sabha has 384 seats and can accommodate more than 336 people in the Visitor’s Gallery. During joint sessions of both houses, more than 1272 MPs can sit together in the Lok Sabha.
. Separate offices have been created in the new Parliament House for important tasks, equipped with high-tech facilities. High-tech equipment has been installed in the cafeteria, dining area, and committee meeting rooms. Common rooms, lounges for women, and a VIP lounge have also been provided.
. The most significant feature of the new Parliament is the Constitution Hall. It is located in the center of the building and has an Ashoka Pillar on top of it. It is said that a copy of the Constitution will be kept in this hall.
. Additionally, large portraits of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Prime Ministers of the country have been installed. It should be noted that the new Parliament House is part of the Central Vista project of the central government.
