New Delhi [India], December 24 (ANI): The year 2023 witnessed a significant milestone for Indian democracy as the country inaugurated its new Parliament Building on May 28. This momentous occasion marked a turning point in the nation’s democratic journey.
The old Parliament House, designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, served as the home for the Imperial Legislative Council during the colonial era. However, with its narrow seating space for Members of Parliament, distressed infrastructure, outdated communication structures, safety concerns, and inadequate workspace for employees, the need for a new Indian Parliament building became evident.
One of the key reasons for the construction of the new building was the safety aspect. The old structure, built during a time when Delhi was categorized as Seismic Zone-II, raised concerns as the present seismic classification for the area is Seismic Zone IV.
The new Parliament building has been designed to address these challenges and accommodate the growing needs of India’s vibrant democracy. The Lok Sabha Hall now has a seating capacity of up to 888 seats, while the Rajya Sabha Hall can accommodate up to 384 members. These expansions allow for joint sessions of Parliament, fostering a more inclusive assembly with a combined capacity of up to 1,272 seats.
The inauguration of the new Parliament Building was marked by a walkathon led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 19, as Members of Parliament transitioned from the old building to the new one. In his inaugural speech, PM Modi emphasized the historical significance of the new building, stating that it connects the past and present, representing freedom and inspiring future generations.
However, the project did not come without criticism. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh referred to it as the ‘Modi Multiplex’ and raised concerns about the impact of the new building on the democratic process.
Despite the controversy, the new Parliament Building has already witnessed significant legislative developments. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam bill, also known as the Women’s Reservation Bill, became the first bill to be tabled and passed in both houses of Parliament. This bill seeks to reserve 33 percent of seats in the Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry Assemblies for women, promoting gender equality in legislative bodies.
Moreover, during the Winter Session held in December, the new Parliament witnessed a security breach when two individuals disrupted proceedings by jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber. This incident led to the suspension of 146 MPs for unruly behavior.
In terms of legislative achievements, three key bills were passed, replacing the colonial-era criminal laws. The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita Bill, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita Bill, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill were all approved to provide justice and end outdated laws.
The construction and inauguration of the new Parliament Building symbolize India’s continuous commitment to democratic values. It serves as the cornerstone for the nation’s legislative processes and paves the way for a more inclusive and efficient parliamentary system. With the new building in place, the progress of democracy in India enters a new chapter, setting the stage for future endeavors that will shape the nation’s destiny.
