New Parliament Building Inaugurated

New Parliament building: The inauguration ceremony of India's new Parliament building has kicked off today. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla have arrived at the new Parliament building and they were seen attending the puja and havan. PM Modi has installed the historic ‘Sengol’ near the Lok Sabha's speaker's chair.

The morning phase will end at close to 9:30 am after which the second leg of the ceremony is expected to begin at noon with the singing of the national anthem in the Lok Sabha chamber in the presence of all the dignitaries including PM Modi.

The new Parliament building of India is a significant project that has garnered both interest and controversy. Here are some interesting facts and controversies surrounding the new Parliament building:

Interesting Facts:

🔵Design and Construction: The new Parliament building is designed by the famous Indian architect Bimal Patel, who won the architectural competition organized by the Government of India. The construction work is being carried out by Tata Projects Limited.

🔵Modern Architecture: The new building will have a modern architectural design, featuring a triangular-shaped structure with an open central courtyard. It aims to blend traditional elements with contemporary design.

🔵Increased Capacity: The new Parliament building will have increased seating capacity to accommodate 888 members in Lok Sabha (House of the People) and 384 members in Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The current Parliament building can house 543 members in Lok Sabha and 245 members in Rajya Sabha.

🔵State-of-the-Art Facilities: The new building will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern audiovisual technology, better connectivity, and improved amenities for parliamentarians and staff.

🔵Green Building: The project aims to be environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. It will incorporate sustainable design features, such as rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and efficient lighting systems.

Controversies:

Cost and Funding: The estimated cost of the new Parliament building is around ₹971 crore (approximately $130 million). Some critics argue that the government could have utilized these funds for other pressing issues, such as healthcare and education.

Displacement of Residents: The construction of the new Parliament building has led to the displacement of several residents living in the area. Some local communities have voiced concerns about the lack of proper rehabilitation and compensation.

Heritage Concerns: The existing Parliament building, built during the British colonial era, holds historical and architectural significance. Critics argue that constructing a new building may undermine the heritage value of the current structure.

Timing and Priorities: The decision to construct a new Parliament building during a time of economic challenges and other pressing issues has sparked debates about the government's priorities. Critics suggest that resources should have been allocated to address more immediate concerns.

 Opposition's View: The construction of the new Parliament building has faced opposition from some political parties, who have questioned the necessity and timing of the project. They argue that the focus should be on addressing socio-economic issues rather than investing in a new building.

It is important to note that these controversies represent differing viewpoints, and the construction of the new Parliament building is an ongoing project subject to evolving discussions and debates.