The first anniversary of the inauguration of India’s magnificent New Parliament House was marked by celebrations on Tuesday. Reflecting on the glorious journey of the new Parliament Building, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla observed that since its first official use during the Special Session on 19 September 2023, the New Parliament House has witnessed intense debates, historic legislations, and collaborative efforts.
The historic Women’s Reservation Bill 2023 (128th Constitutional Amendment Bill) or Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed during this first Session. Archaic British era laws have also been phased out and new laws replacing them have been passed in the last one year.
As the first anniversary of the New Parliament House is celebrated, its significance in shaping the nation’s future has been widely acknowledged, Birla remarked. It stands not only as an architectural marvel but also as a symbol of vibrancy of democracy—a venue where ideas merge, laws are formulated, and the voices of millions are heard, Birla concluded.
Several dignitaries, including Speaker’s of G20 nations, have visited the new Building and appreciated its charming design and facilities, Birla recalled. He further said that the new Building, completed in record time of only two years seven months, has emerged as an embodiment of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the culmination of the wishes and aspirations of the more than 140 crore Indians.
Inaugurated on May 28, 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it stands tall as a testament to India’s vibrant democracy. Designed in a triangular shape, this state-of-the-art building houses both the Lok Sabha (the lower house) and the Rajya Sabha (the upper house).
It replaced the historic Old Parliament House, now renamed Samvidhan Sadan, which had served as the India’s apex legislative body for nearly a century, he added. Mentioning about the need for a new Building, Birla recalled that the need for the new Building arose due to stability concerns with the older structure and its inadequacy to service the Parliament’s present-day requirements.
The original building, though steeped in history, lacked adequate space for Members of Parliament and their staff. Several Members of Parliament had also voiced their demand for a new building in tune with a new resurgent Bharat. Covering an area of 64,500 sqm, the new building accommodates around 1,272 members, with 888 seats in the Lok Sabha and 384 in the Rajya Sabha, a significant increase from the approximately 800 seats in the older structure, Birla mentioned.