The New Parliament House In India

 Introduction:

The New Parliament House, a proposed architectural marvel, is set to become the epitome of India's democratic spirit and governance. With a vision to accommodate the evolving needs of the nation's parliamentary functions, this landmark building will stand tall alongside the iconic Sansad Bhavan, serving as the beacon of India's progressive democracy.

Proposal of New Parliament in India

Due to sustainability concerns with the old structure, proposals for a new parliament building to replace the existing complex surfaced in the early 2010s.  A committee was set up in 2012 by the then-speaker Meira Kumar to suggest several alternatives to the current building. The current building, a 93-year-old structure, is believed to suffer from a lack of space for the housemates and their staff. and is known to be suffering from structural issues. Despite this, the building is considered important to India's national heritage, and plans are being made to protect the structure.

A Modern Icon:

The New Parliament House seeks to strike a delicate balance between tradition and modernity. The design, still in progress, aims to capture the essence of India's rich cultural heritage while embracing contemporary architectural principles. The building is envisioned to be a symbol of India's aspirations, projecting strength, transparency, and inclusivity.

Technological Advancements:

In line with the digital age, the New Parliament House will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring seamless communication and efficient functioning. Advanced audiovisual systems, digital voting mechanisms, and robust connectivity infrastructure will enhance the parliamentary proceedings, fostering a dynamic and informed legislative process.

Enhanced Facilities:

The new facility will address the limitations of the existing Parliament House by providing increased seating capacity, upgraded committee rooms, and improved amenities for parliamentarians. The objective is to create a conducive environment that fosters collaboration, deliberation, and the exchange of ideas among representatives from diverse backgrounds.

Sustainability and Environmental Consciousness:

The New Parliament House project emphasizes sustainability and environmental consciousness. The design incorporates eco-friendly features such as energy-efficient systems, rainwater harvesting, and green spaces. This commitment to sustainability aligns with India's efforts to combat climate change and promote a greener future.

Preserving Architectural Heritage:

While the New Parliament House stands as a testament to progress, it is essential to preserve the architectural heritage of the existing Sansad Bhavan. Efforts will be made to retain and restore the historic building, ensuring its legacy continues to inspire generations. The coexistence of the two structures will serve as a visual representation of India's journey, bridging the past and the future.

Symbol of Democracy:

The New Parliament House will be more than just a functional structure; it will symbolize the essence of Indian democracy. As the seat of the nation's lawmakers, it will represent the aspirations and voices of millions of citizens. It will serve as a constant reminder of the strength and resilience of Indian democracy, where diverse opinions converge and decisions shape the nation's destiny.

Timeline

September 2019: The master plan of 'Redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue' is conceived by the Government of India.

September 2020: Tata Projects Ltd won the contract for construction of the new parliament building for ₹862 crores by the CPWD.

October 2020: Ahmedabad based HCP Design Planning and Management Pvt Ltd, won the architectural consultancy work.

10 December 2020: Foundation stone of the new parliament building laid by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 10 December 2020.

December 2021: The Union Housing Ministry on 2 December informs in the Ongoing Parliament Session that the physical progress of the new Parliament building stands at 35% and is scheduled to be completed by October 2022.

11 July 2022: Prime Minister Modi unveiled the statue of national emblem on top of the new Parliament building.

4 August 2022: Construction work on the new Parliament building is 70% complete, Union minister of state for Housing and urban affairs Kaushal Kishore informed in Lok Sabha.

28 August 2022: Main structure of new Parliament completed, finishing work in progress: Tata Project CEO.

19 November 2022: Parliament Winter Session is likely to be held in the old parliament building as the construction of the new building may stretch until the end of the year. The remaining work such as the office of ministers and other facilities can't be completed before February or March 2023.

20 December 2022: It's a race against time to complete the new Parliament building, with the government keen to open the new building in the coming budget session that starts in January, and with a break in the middle, goes on till March 2023: Government Officials.

5 January 2023: Lok Sabha Secretariat has started preparing new identity cards for MPs to access the new Parliament building, sources said on Thursday. The MPs are also being trained on the audio-visual devices to be used in the new building.

10 January 2023: Construction of new Parliament building expected to be completed by January end, according to government sources

31 January 2023: The CPWD has invited bids for mechanised housekeeping of the new Parliament building at a cost of around ₹24.65 crore for three years, according to an official document.

30 March 2023: Prime Minister Modi went for a surprise visit to the new Parliament building. He spent more than an hour and inspected various works along with observing the facilities coming up at both houses of the Parliament.

16 May 2023: Final touches are being given to the new parliament building and it is likely to be ready by the end of this month, sources said.

18 May 2023: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Prime Minister Modi and invited him to inaugurate the New Parliament Building on 28 May 2023.

 Construction of the New Parliament Building is complete now and the new building symbolises the spirit of self–reliant India says Lok Sabha Secretariat.

20 May 2023: The construction of New parliament Building was fully completed.

24 May 2023: Total 20+ opposition party decided to boycott the inauguration ceremony because they are alleging Prime minister Modi to sideline the President Murmu. According to Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit shah response to not to ( Politicise) the issue.

28 May 2023:The Government of India planned to Inaugurate the New Parliament Building by Prime minister Modi.

Conclusion:

The New Parliament House in India represents an ambitious endeavor to create a modern and technologically advanced parliamentary facility. By blending tradition and innovation, the design captures the spirit of India's democratic values and fosters an environment conducive to meaningful deliberation and decision-making. As this architectural marvel takes shape, it promises to become a significant landmark, reflecting India's democratic legacy and inspiring future generations.