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New Parliament of India: Facts, Inauguration, Design, and Features

The completion of the New Parliament Building stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of an empowered India, as emphasized by the Lok Sabha Secretariat. On the momentous date of May 20, 2023, the comprehensive construction of the New Parliament Building reached its culmination, marking a significant milestone in our nation’s journey.

With its towering presence and architectural grandeur, the new edifice encapsulates the essence of a self-reliant India, exuding resilience and progress. A harmonious blend of vision and craftsmanship, this monumental structure serves as a beacon of democratic ideals and the collective aspirations of our great nation.

The successful realization of this ambitious project represents the collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication of numerous stakeholders, whose commitment to excellence has transformed a vision into a remarkable reality. The new building stands tall as a testament to the relentless pursuit of a stronger, more vibrant democracy.

As the sun illuminates its awe-inspiring façade, the New Parliament Building stands as a symbol of hope, unity, and progress for every Indian citizen. It beckons us to embrace the future with unwavering optimism and reinforces our belief in the potential of a resurgent India.

Proposals for a new parliament building to replace the existing complex began in the early 2010s due to sustainability concerns with the old structure. A committee was set up by the then Speaker Meira Kumar in 2012 to suggest several options for the current building. The existing building, a 93-year-old structure, suffers from insufficiency of space to house members and their staff and is believed to be suffering from structural issues. However, the building needs to be preserved because of its heritage.

Construction of New Parliament of India

The Government of India launched the Central Vista Redevelopment in 2019, constructing a new Parliament building, revitalizing Rajpath, building a new office and residence for the Indian Prime Minister, and amalgamating all other New Delhi projects. Started the project. Mantri Bhawan in a single central secretariat.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new building was held in October 2020, and the foundation stone was laid on 10 December 2020.

Supreme court on parliament inauguration

Although permission was granted to maintain the foundation stone, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar of the Supreme Court of India made his mark in court by addressing the Central Vista redevelopment project until a resolution was reached based on the evidence presented against the project. On December 10, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the building. The ceremony included an inter-faith prayer service conducted by religious leaders. In January 2021, the project was approved with riders for environmental concerns in a majority decision by the Supreme Court, and work on the building commenced.

why president not invited to parliament inauguration

It seems there is quite a buzz surrounding the inauguration of the fresh Parliament edifice and the exclusion of President Droupadi Murmu from the guest list. Various opposition factions and concerned individuals have voiced their apprehensions about the President’s non-invitation, asserting that it contradicts the constitutional role of the President as an integral component of the Parliament. They contend that the decision to exclude the President from the inauguration demonstrates disrespect and undermines the significance of the President’s position within the Indian state. This matter has escalated to the Supreme Court through a petition, where it is being debated that the Lok Sabha Secretariat breached the Constitution by neglecting to invite the President. In protest, the opposition parties have expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation and even declared their intent to boycott the inaugural ceremony. The BJP government has not provided specific justifications for the President’s exclusion, giving rise to further inquiries and criticisms. The controversy persists, captivating widespread attention and fueling discussions across diverse media platforms.

What is the need of new parliament building

According to the architect in charge of the redesign of Central Vista, Bimal Patel, there is a possibility of a triangular shape in the new complex. It will be constructed adjacent to the current complex and slightly larger than the previous one. The building will have a lifespan of over 150 years and is designed to be earthquake-resistant, incorporating various architectural styles from different regions of India. The proposed chambers for the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will have a greater capacity to accommodate more members than the current seating arrangement, as the number of parliamentarians can increase with India’s growing population and future boundaries. The Lok Sabha may require 888 members by 2026. The new complex will have 888 seats in the Lok Sabha chamber and 384 seats in the Rajya Sabha chamber. Unlike the existing Parliament building, it will not have a central hall, and the joint session will take place in the Lok Sabha chamber with 1224 members. The remaining parts of the building will house ministerial and committee rooms on four floors.

The constructed area of the building will be 20,866 m² (excluding the open-air area within the structure), which makes it significantly larger with approximately 4,022 m² (about 1 acre) more than the current circular structure of 16,844 m² (with a diameter of 170 meters).

New parliament building India location

Situated just 750 meters away from the grand Rashtrapati Bhavan, the new building finds itself embraced by the majestic Vijay Chowk, the iconic India Gate, the revered National War Memorial, the abode of the Vice President, the esteemed Hyderabad House, the prestigious Secretariat building, the Prime Minister’s office and residence, ministerial buildings, and other key administrative units of the Indian government.

For seamless connectivity, the Parliament House enjoys proximity to several metro stations, including:

  • Central Secretariat
  • Udyog Bhawan
  • Patel Chowk
  • Janpath
  • Rajiv Chowk

These well-connected metro stations serve as vital transportation hubs, facilitating easy access for visitors and esteemed members of Parliament. Notably, Patel Chowk and Udyog Bhawan stations are conveniently located on the Yellow Line, while the Central Secretariat station gracefully intersects both the Yellow and Violet Lines. Rajiv Chowk station, a bustling junction, connects the Yellow and Blue Lines, and Janpath station stands proudly on the Violet Line.

Immerse yourself in the seamless rhythm of travel as you journey towards the heart of Indian governance.

when is the inauguration of new parliament building

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the new Parliament building to the nation on Sunday (May 28). The ceremony will begin at 7:30 am with a havan (a ritualistic fire ceremony) and an interfaith prayer. After that, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the building in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament). It is expected that 25 political parties will participate in the inauguration ceremony, while 20 opposition parties have decided to boycott the program.

how many seats in new parliament

After 75 years of independence, India’s esteemed leaders will now sit in the new Parliament building to make laws. The new Parliament building, constructed at a cost of 8.62 billion rupees, is ready. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate it on 28th May. The new Parliament building, built in a triangular shape, is a four-story structure.

Along with the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) and the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament), the new Parliament building will also have a Constitution Hall. It will showcase the country’s constitutional heritage. According to the available information so far, the Lok Sabha in the new building has a seating capacity of 888 Members of Parliament.

In the new building, the size of the Rajya Sabha is smaller compared to the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha can accommodate 384 members. In a joint meeting of both houses, a total of 1,280 Members of Parliament can sit together. The new Parliament building is earthquake-resistant, and the colour of its flooring is a dusty green (grey-green).

Currently, there are 545 seats in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) in India, out of which elections are held for 543 seats. The seating capacity for Lok Sabha members in the old Parliament building was 590. The increased seating capacity in the new Parliament building has raised several questions.

For instance, will there be a new delimitation of Lok Sabha seats in India? Will there be elections for more than 543 Lok Sabha seats in the future? Will the government increase the number of seats in both houses?

What is the current system of Parliament?

In India, Lok Sabha has a total of 545 seats, out of which elections are held for 543 seats. The number of 545 seats was determined in the year 1976. Rajya Sabha has 250 seats, out of which 12 seats are nominated by the President, and the rest of the seats are filled by the members of the Legislative Assembly through voting.

The current Parliament building in India was constructed in 1927 during the British rule. The old Parliament had a capacity for 590 members in the Lok Sabha, while the Rajya Sabha had even fewer seats, less than 300. The construction of the new Parliament building has been a target of criticism by several opposition parties against the central government.

How are the seats of Lok Sabha determined in India?

The seats of Lok Sabha are crucial for forming the government at the central level. The government can be formed in Lok Sabha based on the majority. The number of seats in Lok Sabha is constitutionally determined based on the principle of proportional representation.

Article 81 of the Constitution of India defines the structure of Lok Sabha. According to it, the number of Lok Sabha seats can be determined based on the population. For this, the Election Commission needs to conduct delimitation.

Delimitation refers to the process of defining the boundaries of electoral constituencies in a country or region governed by a legislative body.

Under the Delimitation Act of 2002, the delimitation is chaired by a sitting or former judge of the Supreme Court. The Chief Election Commissioner or a nominated Election Commissioner also serves as its members.

After a comprehensive study, the Delimitation Commission will submit a report on two aspects: the number of seats in Lok Sabha and the allocation of seats by states.

Article 82 states that every 10 years, when the data of the population is available, consideration can be given to the allocation of seats. In India, the number of seats in Lok Sabha was determined in 1976 based on population data as the basis.

Why is there a demand to increase the number of seats in Lok Sabha?

The biggest reason is population growth. In 1976, when the delimitation of Lok Sabha was done, India’s population was around 50 crores (500 million). At that time, the formula of approximately 1 seat per 10 lakh people was established.

Currently, India’s population is approximately 142 crores (1.42 billion), which is nearly three times the population in 1976. However, there has been no increase in the number of seats proportionate to the population. From a statistical perspective, there is approximately one Member of Parliament for every 17 lakhs (1.7 million) people.

In other words, to put it in perspective, to win as a Member of Parliament, one has to maintain contact with around 17 lakhs (1.7 million) people. This is a challenging task. In 2019, India’s former President Pranab Mukherjee demanded an increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats to 1000.

Mukherjee raised the question in favor of this proposal, asking how many people can one representative truly represent? He stated that if we look at the elected representatives in India, the ratio of voters to representatives is very high.

In 2002, there was an attempt to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats through delimitation, but it was halted due to political opposition. Also, through a proposal, delimitation was put on hold until 2026.

How many seats should there be in the Lok Sabha currently?

The question of how many seats should be in the Lok Sabha has gained significant attention since 2019. Following Pranab Mukherjee’s statement, Congress MP Manish Tewari tweeted in 2021, stating that he had learned from BJP leaders that the government is considering increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats to 1000.

This suggests that there is a growing sentiment among a significant section that if delimitation takes place, the formula used in 1976 (one seat per 10 lakh people) could be applied. In 2019, Milan Vaishnav and Jamie Hintson published a research paper titled “Emerging Crisis of Representation in India.”

In the research report, Vaishnav and Hintson referred to the MacMillan Theory, stating that if the number of seats in any state is not to be reduced, the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha should be 848, based on proportionality. However, the final authority to determine the number of seats lies with the Delimitation Commission.

The report of the Delimitation Commission needs to be passed in both houses of Parliament.

Can the government increase the number of seats before 2024?

The biggest question arising after the construction of the new Parliament building is whether the number of seats in the Lok Sabha can increase before the 2024 elections. The central government has not provided the answer to this question, but political experts consider it problematic. There are three reasons for this.

  1. There is a ban on delimitation until 2026 – In 2003, the government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee imposed a ban on delimitation until 2026 under the 84th amendment to the constitution. This means that the government will have to pass it in Parliament to lift the ban. The next session of Parliament is expected during the monsoon, raising concerns about its smooth functioning.

Even if the government amends the constitution, the entire process could take at least a year. In such a situation, it appears challenging to lift the ban before the 2024 elections.

  1. The census for 2021 has not been conducted – According to the current rules, the government can increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha based on recent census data. If the government decides to do it now, there may be a technical issue with the figures.

The central government has not conducted the census for 2021 so far. Recently, the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner wrote letters to all states, urging them to freeze administrative boundaries until June 30, 2023.

Only after three months of boundary freeze can the census process begin. Without conducting the census, the government will lack the data required for delimitation. It is believed that the government can consider this issue only after the census is conducted.

  1. Opposition from southern parties against basing it on population – The biggest basis for increasing seats in the Lok Sabha is population, but parties from the southern region are strongly opposing it. Regional parties in South India argue that if the government carries out delimitation based on population, it will increase the dominance of North India.

The ruling party in Tamil Nadu, DMK, recently opposed delimitation based on population. DMK argues that family planning programs have been successfully implemented in the South, whereas the government in North India has failed to implement them.

DMK claims that if population is used as a basis, it will be the biggest proof of failure. The government will pay attention to those who have not been able to do their job properly.

What changes can be expected in the new Parliament?
The employees of both houses of the new Parliament will now wear a new uniform designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). Previously, the employees working inside the Parliament wore white band gala dresses. However, the clothing of the marshals was changed during the budget session, which sparked controversy.

The new Parliament building has three entrances – the Knowledge Gate, the Power Gate, and the Work Gate. Separate entry gates have been constructed for MPs, VIPs, and guests. In addition, a grand chamber for the Lok Sabha Speaker, Prime Minister, and Leader of the Opposition has also been created.

A Constitution Hall has been built in the Parliament Building. It is being discussed that a copy of the Constitution should be kept in this hall. Furthermore, the hall will display portraits of former Prime Ministers and great freedom fighters of the country.

What is central vista

The Central Vista Redevelopment Project is an ongoing initiative sponsored by the Government of India to revitalize the Central Vista area, located along Rajpath in the central administrative district of New Delhi, also known as “Central Vista.” Amid security concerns and future requirements, proposals for new structures started emerging after independence. Scheduled between 2020 and 2024, the project aims to rejuvenate a 3-kilometer (1.9-mile) stretch of Rajpath between the Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate, establish a new Central Secretariat to accommodate all ministries, and transform the North and South Blocks into publicly accessible museums. In addition, there are plans for expanding and enhancing the capacity of the present Parliament building, with new residences and offices for the Vice President and Prime Minister in close proximity to the North and South Blocks. The estimated cost of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, including a General Central Secretariat and Special Protection Group (SPG) building, is ₹13,450 crore (US$1.96 billion). The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) was not included in this plan due to pending land-use changes and litigation issues.

What is sengol in new parliament

With the inauguration of the new Parliament House, some of the new traditions that will start include establishing Sengol.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will accept Sengol from the Adhinam (monastery) in Tamil Nadu and install it near the seat of the Lok Sabha Speaker.

Amit Shah claims that the country’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had accepted Sengol on August 14, 1947 at the hands of Tamil priests.

New sansad bhavan cost

The new Sansad Bhavan, or Parliament building, in India is set to be inaugurated on May 28, 2023. This state-of-the-art complex will house both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The construction of the new building began in December 2020 and is expected to be completed by the end of May 2023.

The estimated cost of the new Parliament building is approximately ₹862 crore (US$110 million). It is important to note that there were claims circulating on social media platforms suggesting that the Tata Group was constructing the building for just ₹1, but these claims have been debunked. The actual cost is ₹861.9 crore.

The new Parliament building has been a part of India’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India. The project aims to provide a modern and efficient space for lawmakers to carry out their duties.

With its iconic design and advanced facilities, the new Parliament building is expected to become a symbol of India’s democracy. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates this historic structure, it marks a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey.

The new Sansad Bhavan will not only serve as a functional space for parliamentary proceedings but will also showcase India’s architectural prowess and commitment to progress. This modern marvel is poised to become a prominent landmark in New Delhi.

As the construction nears completion, the excitement surrounding the new Parliament building is palpable. Its inauguration will be a momentous occasion, signifying India’s commitment to democracy and development.

In conclusion, the new Parliament building in India, known as Sansad Bhavan, is set to be inaugurated on May 28, 2023. It will be a symbol of India’s democracy and a testament to the country’s progress. The estimated cost of the project is ₹861.9 crore, and it will provide a modern and efficient space for parliamentary proceedings. Stay tuned for this historic event that marks a new chapter in India’s democratic journey.”

who is inaugurating new parliament building

The new Parliament building in India is scheduled to be inaugurated on May 28, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This iconic structure will serve as the seat of the Parliament of India, replacing the existing Parliament House built in 1926. The inauguration ceremony is expected to be a significant event, showcasing the country’s commitment to modernity and progress. The new Parliament building is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and represents a symbol of India’s democratic strength. Stay tuned for updates and highlights from this momentous occasion.

new parliament building design architect name

FAQ: Who is the architect of the new Parliament building in India?
Answer:
The architect of the new Parliament building in India is Bimal Patel. Bimal Patel is an award-winning architect from Gujarat and is known for his iconic projects. The new Parliament building’s design was undertaken by Bimal Patel’s architecture firm, HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt. Ltd. The project’s construction was carried out by Tata Projects Ltd. The design of the new Parliament building features a unique triangular shape, which is inspired by sacred geometries found in various religions and cultures. Bimal Patel’s expertise and vision have contributed to the creation of this impressive structure.

new parliament building construction time

According to government sources, the construction of the new Parliament building in India is expected to be completed by the end of January 2023. The project, which commenced in January 2021, has been progressing to meet the deadline. The new Parliament House aims to replace the existing colonial-era building and has been designed to accommodate around 800 chambers for Members of Parliament. The construction timeline ensures that the new building will be ready for use in the near future, providing a modern and efficient space for India’s legislative proceedings.

What is the significance of the new Parliament building in India?

The new Parliament building in India holds great significance for the nation. It symbolizes progress, modernization, and the country’s commitment to democracy. With its state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, the building will provide an enhanced environment for lawmakers to carry out their legislative duties effectively. The new structure replaces the current colonial-era building and stands as a testament to India’s growth and aspirations. It aims to foster transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in the functioning of the country’s parliamentary system.

what will happen to old parliament building

Yes, the existing Parliament building will continue to serve a purpose even after the completion of the new one. While the new building will become the primary venue for parliamentary proceedings, the current structure will be repurposed for other important functions. The exact utilization plans for the existing building are yet to be announced. However, given its historical and cultural significance, it is expected that appropriate decisions will be made to preserve its heritage value and explore suitable uses that align with national interests.

How will the new Parliament building in India benefit Members of Parliament?

The new Parliament building in India has been designed with the well-being and requirements of Members of Parliament (MPs) in mind. It will feature around 800 chambers dedicated to MPs, providing them with a conducive and functional workspace. The modern facilities and amenities in the new building aim to enhance efficiency and productivity for lawmakers. Additionally, the technologically advanced infrastructure, including audio-visual devices, will facilitate effective communication and decision-making during parliamentary sessions. The new building’s design aims to create an environment that supports the essential work carried out by MPs in serving the nation.

new parliament building contractor name

The contractor for the new Parliament building in New Delhi is Tata Projects Limited. They won the bid to construct this iconic structure, which is scheduled to be the seat of the Parliament of India. The new building will house both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, serving as a symbol of India’s democratic heritage. Construction of the Parliament building began on December 10, 2020, and it is expected to be a remarkable addition to the Central Vista project.

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