India / New Parliament building expected to be ready before Aug 15 next yr: Om Birla

New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday said that the construction of the new Parliament building is expected to be completed before August 15, 2022, when India will complete 75 years of Independence from British rule.

“We will make an effort to see that the new Parliament building is constructed before August 15 (in 2022) and when the nation completes 75 years of Independence, we celebrate it in the new Parliament building,” Birla told reporters after Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die following a near washout of the Monsoon Session.

Birla said the developments in the Lower House of Parliament had pained him. “I am hurt by the fact that the proceedings of the House did not take place as per expectations in this Session. I always make an effort to see that maximum Business takes place in the House and discussions are held over issues related to the public,” the Speaker said.

He pointed out that members holding placards and raising slogans in the Well of Lok Sabha is not in accordance with traditions, Speaker Birla said while commenting on protests by the Opposition during the Monsoon Session. He added that the House functioned for only 21 hours during the entire session and the productivity was at just 22 per cent.

“But there was continuous obstruction this time. This could not be resolved. The last two years were more productive, as far as Business in the House is concerned. The proceedings had continued till late in the night and MPs had made active contributions even during COVID.

“A total of 20 Bills were passed, including the OBC Bill which was passed with the unanimous consent of all parties. I thank the PM and the leaders of all parties who contributed to the House,” the Speaker said.

He called on all MPs to allow for the smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha.

“I always expect the MPs to maintain the dignity of the House. There have been debates, agreements and disagreements in the House but its dignity was never lowered. I urge all the MPs, that the House be run in accordance with Parliamentary traditions and its dignity maintained. Sloganeering and raising of banners are not a part of our Parliamentary traditions. They (MPs) should express themselves from their seats,” the Lok Sabha Speaker said.

Monsoon Session: What the Opposition said

Meanwhile, the Opposition blamed the government for the impasses in Parliament. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, said the government wants to tarnish the image of the Opposition.

“Lok Sabha has been adjourned sine die, as opposed to its scheduled date August 13. The government took the sudden decision to adjourn it; there was no discussion on important issues. It only wants to paint the Opposition in a bad light.

“I saw PM Modi for the first time today. When everything is over, he shows up. The Centre passed Bills without discussion, except for discussion on OBC Bill. Bills were passed within minutes, another record by the government... This government doesn't broadcast when Opposition speaks,” Chowdhury alleged.

“Despite our constant appeals to discuss 'Pegasus’, the issue was not taken up (in the House). When there is a global discussion over it, with France, Germany, Hungary discussing it, why have our demands been ignored?

“We also wanted a comprehensive discussion on the fuel price hike, farm issues, inflation, vaccination status but to no avail. Bills were passed within 7-8 minutes, and our appeals were left unheard,” the Congress leader added.