The construction of the Parliament building is scheduled to be completed in 2022 by India’s leading construction company, TATA Projects Limited~
NEW DELHI, Dec. 10, 2020 — India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi today laid the foundation of the new Parliament building at a ceremony attended by various national leaders, eminent citizens, religious leaders and members of diplomatic community.
The foundation ceremony also witnessed interfaith prayers representing all religions thereby symbolizing India’s rich and varied cultural traditions.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said today is a milestone in India’s democratic history, filled with the idea of Indianness. He added that the start of the construction of Parliament House of India is one of the most important stages of our democratic traditions. He gave a call to the people of India, to build this new building of the Parliament together. He said it can’t be more beautiful or more pure than the new building of our Parliament witnessing when India celebrates 75 years of its independence.
The Prime Minister recalled the moment when he entered the Parliament House for the first time in 2014 as an MP. He said that when he entered the Parliament House for the first time, he bowed his head and saluted this temple of democracy, before stepping into it. He remarked that many new things are being done in the new Parliament House that will increase the efficiency of the MPs and modernize their work culture. He said if the old Parliament House gave direction to post-independence India, the new building would become a witness to the making of a ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat.’ If work was done to fulfill the needs of the country in the old Parliament House, then the aspirations of 21st century India will be fulfilled in the new building.
The Prime Minister remarked that democracy elsewhere is about election procedures, governance and administration. But democracy in India is about life values, it is the way of life and the soul of a nation. He added India’s democracy is a system developed through centuries of experience. There is also a life mantra, an element of life as well as a system of order in the democracy in India. He said it is India’s democratic strength that is giving new energy to the development of the country and giving new faith to its countrymen. He said democracy in India is constantly being renewed every year and it is seen that voter turnout is increasing with every election.
The Prime Minister remarked that democracy in India has always been a means of resolving differences along with governance. Different views, different perspectives empower a vibrant democracy. He said our democracy has moved forward with the goal that there is always room for differences so long as it is not entirely disconnected from the process. He stressed that policies and politics may vary but we are for the service of the public and there should be no differences in this ultimate goal. He added whether debates occur within the Parliament or outside, the determination towards national service and dedication towards national interest should be reflected in them constantly.
The Prime Minister urged the people to to remember that it is the responsibility of the people to awaken the optimism towards democracy which is the basis of the existence of the Parliament House. He reminded that every member who enters Parliament is accountable towards the public as well as the Constitution. He said there are no rituals as such to consecrate this temple of democracy. It is the representatives of the people who come to this temple that will consecrate it. He said their dedication, their service, conduct, thought and behavior will become the life of this temple. Their efforts towards the unity and integrity of India will become the energy that gives life to this temple. He added when each public representative will offer his knowledge, intelligence, education and experience fully here, then this new Parliament House will gain sanctity.
The Prime Minister urged the people to take the pledge to keep India First, to worship only the progress of India and the development of India, every decision should increase the strength of the country and that the country’s interest is paramount. He asked everyone to take the pledge that there will be no greater interest for them than national interest. Their concern for the country will be more than their own personal concerns. Nothing will be more important to them than the unity, integrity of the country. Dignity and fulfillment of the constitution of the country will be the biggest goal of their life.
To be completed in 2022, the new building will comprise an area of 64,500 square metres to accommodate any future increase in the number of members for the two houses of Parliament.
The new Parliament building to be built as a triangular shaped structure will have modern amenities such as grand constitution hall, lounge for MPs, multiple committee rooms, library, dining areas and ample parking space.
The honorable Prime Minister stated at the ceremony that if the old Parliament House gave direction to post-independence India, the new building would become a witness to the making of a ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’. If work was done to fulfill the needs of the country in the old Parliament House, then the aspirations of 21st century India will be fulfilled in the new building.
In September this year, Tata Projects Limited – one of India’s leading engineering and construction companies – secured the contract to construct the new Parliament building. This new building will be built near the existing one as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project.
The existing Parliament building is a British-era structure whose foundation was laid in 1921 and completed in 1927. It was designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker who were responsible for planning and construction of New Delhi – but this current structure was never intended or designed to be used as a parliament. Hence, it was decided to carry forth with the construction of the new parliament building.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi performing Bhoomi Pujan at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the New Parliament Building, at Sansad Marg, in New Delhi on December 10, 2020
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi unveiling the plaque to lay the foundation stone of the New Parliament Building, at Sansad Marg, in New Delhi on December 10, 2020.
