The new Parliament building will be a witness to the building of Aatmanirbhar Bharat: PM Modi

Dec. 10: Today is a historic day as the foundation of the New Parliament building has been laid. We the people of India together will construct this new building of the Parliament, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at the foundation stone laying ceremony of new Parliament building on Thursday. The foundation stone laying ceremony was attended by leaders from various political parties, Cabinet ministers and ambassadors of different countries.

An all-faith religious prayer was held to mark the ceremony. The bhoomi pujan in which PM Modi also took part was performed by pujaris from the Sringeri Math Karnataka. In September, Tata Projects Ltd was awarded the contract for the development of the new Parliament complex with a bid of ₹861.90 crore.

“In the old building, work to fulfil necessities of the nation was done. In the new building, ambitions of India of the 21st century will be realised,” PM Modi said. “The new building will be a witness to the building of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” the PM added.

Speaking at the Foundation Stone Laying of the New Parliament. https://t.co/Gh3EYXlUap

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2020

The construction of the new, triangular Parliament building is part of the central vista plan of the government. The project also includes the construction of a common central secretariat and the revamping of the 3-km-long stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate.

To be built on an area of 64,500 square metres, the new Parliament building will 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. In the new building, the Lok Sabha chamber will have a seating capacity for 888 members, while the Rajya Sabha will have 384 seats for members. The Lok Sabha chamber will have an option to increase its sitting capacity to 1,224 members during joint sessions. At present, Lok Sabha has a sanctioned strength of 543 members and Rajya Sabha 245.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court allowed the central government to proceed with the foundation stone-laying ceremony but did not give permission to construct or conduct any demolition work until the court decides on the pending petitions on the issue.