In a significant announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed renaming the old Parliament building as “Samvidhan Sadan.” As the operations transitioned to the new Parliament edifice, PM Modi emphasized that the structure, which has been the epicenter of India’s legislative proceedings for over seventy-five years, should not merely be referred to as an “old building.”
During an event in Parliament’s Central Hall, preceding the shift to the new structure, PM Modi articulated,
“Samvidhan Sadan would be a tribute to all the leaders who served the nation and performed their duties as members. We should not let go of the opportunity to give this present to the future generations.”
This sentiment was echoed in his statement,
“I pray that in the future, with the consent of all Members of Parliament, we can designate the old Parliament House as ‘Samvidhan Sadan’. May the old parliament always remain the inspiration for our generation. When we call it Constitution House, it will also remind us of those great men who once sat in the Constituent Assembly. It is a gift for the future generation.”
The relocation to the new Parliament building was marked with ceremonial significance. After the Prime Minister’s address, he, along with all the MPs, transitioned from the old edifice to the new one. To commemorate the inauguration of the new Parliament building, each MP received a gift bag, which included a copy of the Constitution, Parliament-related literature, a special coin, and a stamp.
Furthermore, the move to the new building will introduce a uniform overhaul for the Parliament staff across both Houses. This includes chamber attendants, officers, security personnel, drivers, and marshals, who will don new attire during the special session.
In another pivotal announcement during his inaugural speech in the new Parliament building, PM Modi introduced the Women’s Reservation Bill. He fervently appealed to all members to support the bill, emphasizing the need to
“ensure representation of nari shakti.”
He further elaborated,
“The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will ensure more women become members of Parliament, assemblies.”
This move and the subsequent announcements underscore the government’s commitment to preserving the legacy of India’s democratic institutions while paving the way for a progressive future.
