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The New Parliament building is the manifestation of Indian Democracy which has travelled time through the struggles of the freedom movement and achieved many milestones. The old parliament building witnessed the adoption of the Constitution of India and was the first Parliament building of independent India.
The old building which is in the heart of central Vista adds to the rich heritage of the country making it of natural importance.
British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker built the old parliament building. The construction of the building took almost six years i.e., from 1921 to 1927 to complete.
The old parliament building was called as Council House and housed the Imperial Legislative Council. In 1956, two additional floors were added to the parliament building to cater for the demand for additional space.
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Why did they build a new Parliament Building in India?
The old Parliament Building is an almost 100-year-old heritage building of Grade I. The parliament activities and the number of people working have increased over the years. The government does not have any record or document of the original building.
Hence the new constructions have been done in an ad hoc manner. The building shows signs of over-utilisation. The building does not meet the requirements of amenities, space, and technology.
The old parliament could not meet the space requirement of the staff and design changes. The structural stability was also put at risk as it did not meet the latest seismic zone requirement. Despite all the building is part of Indian heritage and plan to protect the structure.
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Where is the new Parliament Building in India built?
In 2019, along with other projects, the Indian government launched the Central Vista Redevelopment Project and the construction of a new parliament building along with projects such as a revamping of Kartavya Path, a new office and residence of the prime minister, construction of a new residence for vice president, and combining all ministerial buildings in the single secretariat.
In October 2020, the groundbreaking ceremony was held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ceremony witnessed interfaith prayer performed by various religious leaders from Sanatana Dharma, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Baháʼí Faith, Vajrayana Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
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The project received various pleas and was cleared in January 2021 including riders from environmental concerns. Thus, the work on the building continued.
During the peak of the construction time, about 2,500 stonecutters and masons were employed. They just shape the stones and marbles. The unprecedented momentum was given using modern mechanical devices, including massive cranes, coupled with an inexhaustible supply of labour.
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Name of new Parliament Building in India
Sansad Bhavan, the New Parliament Building in New Delhi, serves as the official venue for the Parliament of India. India’s two-chambered parliament, Lok Sabha – the lower house and Rajya Sabha – the upper house is accommodated in the building.
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Where is the new Parliament Building in India?
The parliament building is constructed in New Delhi. It is situated on Sansad Marg which intersects the Central Vista area.
The prominent landmarks around the new Parliament building are the Old Parliament House, Vijay Chowk, India Gate, National War Memorial, Vice President’s House, Hyderabad House, Secretariat Building, Prime Minister’s Office and residence, ministerial buildings, and other administrative units of the Indian government.
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Commencement of new Parliament Building in India
In early 2010, the proposal to replace the parliament building was floated due to stability issues of the old structure. The then-Speaker Meira Kumar set up a committee to suggest alternatives for the 93-year-old building structure.
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Who designs the new Parliament Building of India?
In 1927, the old parliament building was heavily influenced by the Hindu Yogini Temple at Mitaoli. As per Bimal Patel, the new parliament building shall have a hexagonal shape that overlooks the design of the central vista.
It is located adjacent to the current complex. The size of the building is like the previous one.
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Some key facts about the new Parliament building and its design
- The new building is planned to have a lifespan of over 150 years.
- It is designed to withstand earthquakes and will incorporate architectural styles from various regions of India.
- The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers will have larger seating capacities to accommodate potential future increases in the number of Members of Parliament due to population growth and future delimitation.
- The new complex will feature 888 seats in the Lok Sabha chamber and 384 seats in the Rajya Sabha chamber.
- Unlike the old parliament building, it will not have a central hall.
- The Lok Sabha chamber will be capable of accommodating 1,272 members in the event of a joint session.
- The rest of the building will consist of four floors with offices for ministers and committee rooms.
- The new building will have a total built area of 20,866 square metres (224,600 sq. ft), including a 2,000 square metre (22,000 sq. ft) open-sky area for a banyan tree.
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What are the new features of the new building?
The new building is approximately 10% smaller in size compared to the existing circular building. It spans 22,900 square metres (246,000 sq. ft) with a diameter of 170.7 metres (560 ft). It includes a 6,060 square metre (65,200 sq. ft) open-sky area divided into three sectors.
The Parliament House will have three entrances viz. Gyan Dwar (knowledge gate), Shakti Dwar (power gate), and Karma Dwar (karma gate).
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When was the new Parliament building inaugurated?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally opened India’s new parliament building on May 28, 2023, amidst widespread protests and boycotts. The day started with Mr. Modi revealing a plaque that symbolized the dedication of the building to the nation. He also delivered a speech to a gathering of legislators.
A historically significant gold sceptre known as the Senegal was placed in the new parliament building as part of the inauguration.
The opposition parties chose to largely refrain from attending the event, stating their preference for the president to perform the opening ceremony instead of Mr Modi.
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Controversies with the new Parliament building
Congress Party led boycott and criticism. Despite the criticism, almost 300 members of parliament attended the inauguration. Almost 19 opposition parties boycotted the inauguration and showcased their discontent with Modi’s leadership.
The parties even expressed concern that President Draupadi Murmu, the head of state and highest constitutional authority, was sidelined during the whole event.
Opposition parties accused the government of passing controversial legislation without adequate debate and criticized the “disqualification, suspension, and muting” of opposition lawmakers.
The parties argued about the erosion of democratic values within the Parliament. They even stated that the new building held little significance.
Rahul Gandhi, a member of the Congress party, commented that Prime Minister Modi treated the ceremony as a coronation. He also emphasized the need for parliamentary proceedings to remain focused on representing the people rather than showcasing personal grandeur.
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