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New parliament house and its significance
Context:
- The new building, which is part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, will replace the existing structure that has served as the seat of India's democracy since independence.
- The new building will be inaugurated by Prime Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker in the presence of other dignitaries and guests on 28 May 2023.
Details
Background Details
- In 1927, the main parliament building was inaugurated.
- In order to accommodate more staff and other offices, two more floors were added in 1956.
- It was further expanded in 1975.
- The parliament library was added to the complex in 2002.
- An extension of the Parliament Annexe was constructed in the year 2016.
- The new building was required because of:
- Lack of modern facilities.
- Shortage of space.
- Multiple retrofitting left little space for further improvements
- Electrical wires are squeezed under covers
- Multiple wirings gave a shabby look
- Many Presiding officers of the house (like Meira Kumar and Sumitra Mahajan) highlighted the poor state of the building
- Notably, the foundation of a detailed plan for the building was laid in December 2020. In a span of two and a half years, the building is ready for use.
Central Vista Redevelopment Project
- It aims to revamp and modernize the area, which includes iconic buildings such as Rashtrapati Bhavan (presidential palace), North and South Block (ministerial offices), Rajpath (ceremonial boulevard) and India Gate (war memorial).
- The project also envisages the construction of a new residence for the Vice President, a new office and residence for the Prime Minister and a common central secretariat for all ministries.
- The project has also faced some criticism from various quarters over its cost, timing and impact on heritage and environment. However, the Supreme Court of India cleared the project in January 2021 with some riders for environmental concerns.
Some of the key features of the new parliament building are:
- It is designed by architect Bimal Patel and constructed by Tata Projects Ltd.
- It has a built-up area of around 65,000 square meters and can accommodate up to 1,272 members of parliament in its two chambers: the Lok Sabha (lower house) and the Rajya Sabha (upper house).
- It has 888 seats for the Lok Sabha members and 384 seats for the Rajya Sabha members, with provision for future expansion.
- It also has a grand Constitution Hall, a library, committee rooms, offices and other facilities.
- It is expected to enhance the efficiency and functionality of the parliament and provide more space and amenities for the members and their staff.
- It is designed to be environmentally friendly and energy efficient, with features such as rainwater harvesting, solar panels, waste management and natural ventilation
Significance of the New Parliament House:
- The building is now more spacious, energy-efficient, and accessible.
- It houses updated technology.
- It will increase the efficiency of MPs and can modernize the work culture.
- Simultaneous interpretation in multiple languages would be possible due to better audio-video communication facilities.
- Better availability of records through e-library.
- It will house museum-grade galleries and a Constitution Hall to display India’s age-old history of democracy.
- It will give the opportunity to introspect the efficiency and productivity of Parliament.
- Adequate functional space and modern facilities for the members will help in reducing friction and enabling better discussions and deliberations.
- In the future, each member will have a dedicated space for better interaction with the people of their constituency.
Conclusion
- The new parliament building is not just a physical structure, but a symbol of India's democratic spirit and aspirations. It represents India's rich heritage, culture and diversity, as well as its commitment to upholding the values of the Constitution. The new building will also serve as a reminder of India's glorious past, present and future as a vibrant democracy.
