First session of India’s 75th year of Independence in new Parliament building: Speaker Birla

New Delhi

India will have a new Parliament building when it celebrates its 75th year of Independence in 2022, Speaker Om Birla said on Friday.

“The process of the new Sansad Bhawan is going on… two/three possibilities are there. I am hopeful when India celebrates its 75 years of Independence, the first session will be held in the new Parliament building,” Speaker Birla said following the conclusion of the winter session that saw the passage of key legislations, including the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

Significantly, Birla also said the majority of MPs were of the view that the present structure is also retained.

Notably, the Narendra Modi government’s ambitious plan of a makeover to the Lutyens’ Delhi includes redevelopment of the Central Vista—the three-km stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan, North and South Block up to India Gate.

Apart from the new Parliament building, the project also includes a composite complex for different ministries and other infrastructure.Whether it will be an all-together new building or retrofitted remains to be seen though officials say area has been marked for the brand new Sansad Bhawan replete with state-of-the-art modern facilities while showcasing India’s grandeur and heritage.

The government had invited design and architecture firms from across the globe for consultancy works for the “development or redevelopment of Parliament building, Common Central Secretariat and Central Vista”, they say, adding that all structures will be as per laid down guidelines and aesthetics.

Originally called the House of Parliament, the current Sansad Bhawan was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.

The construction began in 1921 and it was completed around 1927. Dating close to 100 years now, it is inadequate in space and facilities to meet the current demand.

Apart from party offices, MPs do not have individual spaces in the current building. It is only ministers and top ranks like leaders of opposition who have offices inside the present Sansad Bhawan.