New Delhi: The much-awaited new Parliament building is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28. The building is a part of the redevelopment of the Central Vista project.
The foundation stone for this infra marvel was laid by PM Modi on December 10, 2020. The new Parliament building will have a built-up area of about 65,000 square meters. Built at a cost of ₹971 crore, the new complex is a symbol of India’s progress and will reflect the “aspirations of the 135 crore Indians”.
The new Parliament building will have exquisite artwork and a ceremonial sceptre ‘Sengol’ among several features. “Sengol will be placed in the new Parliament building. It was used on August 14, 1947, by PM Nehru when the transfer of power took place from the British. It is called Sengol in Tamil, the meaning of this word is full of wealth,” Amit Shah said during a press conference in New Delhi.
On August 14, 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru received the Sengol from Tamil Nadu in the presence of several leaders and top dignitaries. This symbolized the transfer of power from the Britishers to the people of an ‘Independent India’.
In Tamil culture, ‘Sengol’ has had huge importance since the time of Chola dynasty. The sceptre is likely to be placed near the Lok Sabha Speaker’s chair in the new Parliament building.
The Ministry of Finance on Thursday issued a notification announcing the minting of a special commemorative coin with a denomination of Rs 75 to mark the inauguration of the new Parliament building.
A political row over the decision to have Prime Minister Narendra Modi preside over the inauguration of the new Parliament building instead of President Droupadi Murmu has erupted with 20 Opposition parties having decided to boycott the event, scheduled for Sunday.