Govt plans to build new Parliament by 2022, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday the government is considering suggestions to build a new Parliament building or to improve and modernise facilities at the existing complex.
After inaugurating 36 duplex flats for members of Parliament at North Avenue here, Modi made the remark and referred to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, who had requested him during the recently concluded session that the Parliament complex must get a facelift in terms of facilities, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Independence on 2022.
Speaking in the House during the just-concluded session, Birla had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to include the expansion and modernisation of Parliament Building in his resolution for ‘New India’, on the completion of the 75th year of India’s Independence.
He also had said it is the aspirations of “all of us” that Parliament Building of the largest democracy of the world should be the most magnificent and attractive.
Talking about the just-concluded session, Birla said, “The proceeding of Lok Sabha was not adjourned even once during the session and as a result, it sat for 72 hours more than its allocated time, which is equivalent to working of 12 sittings.”
Thanking members of the House, he said that by taking all parties along he would try his best to ensure that the proceedings continue uninterrupted during his tenure.
“If Lok Sabha functions properly and sat for longer hours, it sends out a positive message in the country,” he said.
Birla said a conference of speakers of all state assemblies will be convened soon to discuss how can the productivity of the state legislatures can be enhanced.
There is a sense that a new Parliament building is required. Several groups have also been formed for taking suggestions from various people including Parliamentarians on this issue. If a new building plan finds favour, then the existing complex may rebuild.