New Parliament House of India
The Indian parliament is one of the most important institutions of Indian democracy. The parliament building in New Delhi has been the center of Indian legislative operations since the 1950s. However, with the growing needs of the Indian democracy, the old parliament building has become insufficient to cater to the needs of modern Indian politics. To address this issue, the Indian government has undertaken an ambitious project to build a new parliament house. The new parliament house will not only provide modern facilities to the members of the parliament but also serve as a symbol of India's growing stature in the world. In this article, we will explore the design, significance, and controversies surrounding the New Parliament House of India.
Introduction to the New Parliament House of India
India's Parliament is the backbone of the country's democratic system, consisting of two houses - the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The parliament has been functioning since 1952, and its current building was constructed in 1927. However, as the country's population grows and technology advances, the need for a new parliament house became evident. In this article, we will explore the design, significance, and progress of the new parliament house project.
Overview of the Indian parliament
The Indian parliament comprises of two houses: the Lok Sabha or the House of People, and the Rajya Sabha or the Council of States. The Lok Sabha has 545 members elected to five-year terms, while the Rajya Sabha has 245 members elected indirectly for six-year terms. The parliament is responsible for making laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the work of the government.
Need for a new parliament house
As the Indian population continues to grow, so does the parliament's functions and responsibilities. The current parliament building was constructed almost a century ago in 1927 and is unable to accommodate the modern technological advancements required for the efficient functioning of the parliament. Therefore, the government has decided to build a new parliament house that will meet the needs of the present and future generations.
Architecture and Design of the New Parliament House
The new parliament house is designed to reflect India's rich cultural heritage and diversity in a modern architectural style. The building will be spread over 64,500 square meters and will have four floors. The centrally air-conditioned building is designed to have a seating capacity of 1,224 members in the Lok Sabha and 384 members in the Rajya Sabha.
Architectural style and inspiration
The new parliament house's architectural style is inspired by India's rich cultural heritage and diversity, amalgamating modern and traditional elements. The building will have a circular shape, with a courtyard in the center. The building's facade will be made of sandstone, and the design will feature large windows that allow natural light to flow into the building.
Features and facilities of the new parliament house
The new parliament house will be equipped with modern facilities such as a grand Constitution Hall, a lounge for members of parliament, a library, and a committee room. The building will also have a cafeteria, ample parking space, and dedicated rooms for media personnel.
Comparison with the old parliament building
The current parliament building is known for its colonial-era architecture and design. In contrast, the new parliament house's design will combine modern and traditional elements to reflect India's cultural diversity. The new building will also have modern facilities, making it better equipped to handle the parliament's functions and responsibilities.
Significance of the New Parliament House for Indian Politics
The new parliament house will have a significant impact on India's legislative operations, representation, and international recognition.
Impact on legislative operations
The new parliament house is expected to be equipped with modern technology, which will enable the parliament to function more efficiently. The building will also have ample space for all members of parliament, ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary resources.
Symbols and representation in Indian politics
The new parliament house's circular shape is symbolic of India's inclusive and diverse political representation. The new building is also expected to become an iconic symbol of India's democracy.
International recognition and significance
The new parliament house's modern design and facilities are expected to project India's status as a modern democracy on the international stage. The building's inauguration will be a significant milestone for India's democratic heritage.
Timeline and Progress of the New Parliament House Project
The new parliament house project has undergone several stages of planning and is currently under construction.
Planning and approval process
The new parliament house project was approved in September 2020 and is expected to cost around Rs. 971 crores. The construction of the new parliament house began in December 2020, after the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Construction stages and updates
The construction of the new parliament house is expected to be completed in 2022. The first phase of the project involves the construction of the new parliament house building, while the second phase involves the construction of new offices and residential quarters for the members of parliament.
Expected completion date and inauguration plans
The new parliament house's expected completion date is 2022, and the inauguration is expected to coincide with India's 75th Independence Day celebrations. The new parliament house's inauguration is expected to be a grand event attended by national and international dignitaries.
Cost and Funding of the New Parliament House
Breakdown of project expenses
The new Parliament House, which is currently under construction, is estimated to cost around 971 crore rupees ($130 million USD). This massive budget includes expenses for construction, design, security features, smart technology, and other essential facilities to accommodate parliament members, staff, and visitors.
According to reports, the new building will feature a plenary hall with a seating capacity of 1,200 members of parliament. Additionally, the building will house several committee rooms, offices, a library, dining facilities, and a grand Constitution hall.
Sources of funding and allocation
The government of India has allocated funds for the new Parliament House's construction in the 2021 Union Budget. The project's funding will come from the government's capital outlay, which has already received parliamentary approval. The government has also stated that the project won't receive any external funding or loans.
Impact on the Indian economy and budget
The new Parliament House's construction is estimated to provide employment opportunities for thousands of skilled and unskilled workers. By providing new jobs in the construction sector, the project will create new spending opportunities, generating more economic activity.
However, some critics have questioned the government's priorities, citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic's economic distress. The project is considered a significant expense at a time when the government is struggling to provide relief to those affected by the pandemic.
Impact of the New Parliament House on Delhi's Landscape
Location and surroundings of the new Parliament House
The new Parliament House is being constructed at a prime location, located near India Gate, which is in the heart of New Delhi. The site currently houses the old Parliament House, which was inaugurated in 1927.
Urban development and infrastructure changes
The construction of the new Parliament House has caused significant infrastructure changes in its surroundings. The government has planned a complete redevelopment of the area, including several new government office buildings, a new museum, and a pedestrian plaza.
The entire redevelopment project is known as the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, and it aims to modernize the government district of New Delhi. The project has faced criticism from many quarters claiming it as a waste of public money.
Environmental impact and sustainability measures
The construction of the new Parliament House and the Central Vista redevelopment project is expected to have a significant impact on the environment. The project's environmental impact assessment report concluded that the construction wouldn't cause any long-term damage to the air quality, water supply, and forest cover in the region.
However, experts have expressed concerns about the project's long-term sustainability, as the project's design and construction are not aligned with environmental principles. Many fear that the project would increase the area's carbon footprint, cause pollution, and harm the ecology.
Public Opinion and Controversies Surrounding the New Parliament House
Reactions from political parties and leaders
The project has been met with mixed reactions from political parties and leaders. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has welcomed the project, claiming it as a much-needed upgrade to the parliament building. However, opposition parties and leaders have criticized the project as a wasteful expense.
Public opinion and criticism
Public opinion on the project has been divided. Some see it as a necessary upgrade to the outdated parliament building, while others believe that it is a waste of taxpayer money. Critics have also pointed out the government's lack of transparency in the project's approval and implementation.
Controversies and protests against the new parliament house
The new Parliament House's construction has sparked several protests and controversies, with some groups accusing the government of ignoring public opinion. Some activists and environmentalists have also expressed concerns about the impact of the project on the region's ecology and heritage.The New Parliament House of India is a symbol of India's aspirations for a modern and efficient democracy. The project represents a significant investment in the country's future and is expected to have a far-reaching impact on Indian politics. While there have been controversies surrounding the project, the new parliament house is a testament to India's commitment to progress and development. As India prepares to inaugurate this new landmark, it is clear that the country is ready to take its place as a major player on the global stage.
FAQs
What is the need for a new parliament house in India?
The old parliament building in New Delhi has become insufficient to cater to the growing needs of Indian democracy. The new parliament house will provide modern facilities to the members of the parliament and serve as a symbol of India's growing stature in the world.
What is the expected cost of the new parliament house project?
The cost of the new parliament house project is estimated to be around 971 crore rupees (approximately 133 million USD).
When is the new parliament house expected to be completed?
The new parliament house is expected to be completed by 2022 and inaugurated in 2022-2023.
What are the major controversies surrounding the new parliament house project?
Some people have criticized the new parliament house project for its high cost and questioned the need for a new building. Additionally, there have been concerns about the environmental impact of the project and the destruction of heritage buildings in the area.