Special Parliamentary Session: Parliament to discuss its 75-year-long journey in old building today

The Parliament began a special, five-day session on Monday, September 18. The first day of the special session assumes significance as it marks the last day of action in the existing Parliamentary building before the legislature shifts to a new building on Tuesday, coinciding with the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The day was dedicated to discussions on the 75-year-long journey of the Parliament. 

In an address to the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that many expressed doubts about the success of the country post-Independence, but it was the power of this Parliament that proved naysayers wrong.

"It is this Parliament where Pandit Nehru spoke at the 'stroke of midnight hour', which continues to inspire everyone... From Nehru to Shastri to Vajpayee, this Parliament has seen several leaders presenting their vision of India," the Prime Minister said. This old building will always inspire coming generations, he added. 

Earlier in the day, the PM requested all the members of Parliament to give maximum time to the "session of historic developments".

Speaking in the Lok Sabha. https://t.co/KI5hfWRds2

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2023

What will be discussed on the first day of the special session? 

The first day of the session is dedicated to discussions on 75 years of the Parliamentary journey, beginning with "Samvidhan Sabha-Achievements, Experiences, Memories, and Learnings", according to the official Lok Sabha bulletin. 

The five-day discussions mark the 17th session of the Lok Sabha and the 261st session of the Rajya Sabha—the lower and upper houses of the Parliament, respectively. 

As many as eight bills will be discussed in the session, including the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2022; the Post Office Bill, 2023; The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023; The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023; the Senior Citizens Welfare Bill, 2023. 

13th Session of 17th Lok Sabha and 261st Session of Rajya Sabha commences tomorrow i.e 18th to 22nd September with 5 sittings.#SpecialSession @JoshiPralhad@arjunrammeghwal @VMBJP pic.twitter.com/AeqD6EkiPk

— संसदीय कार्य मंत्रालय M/O Parliamentary Affairs (@mpa_india) September 17, 2023

An aerial view of the new Parliament building in New Delhi | Image: Reuters

What will happen in the new Parliament building on Tuesday, September 19?

After Monday's discussions, the session will resume in the new building on the next day, September 19. 

On Tuesday, a photo session will be held in the existing building, and the session will resume in the new building following a function in the Central Hall of the Parliament, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said. 

After the conclusion of the function in the Central Hall on Tuesday, both Houses will meet in their respective Chambers in the New Parliament House.

"Once the sittings of the special session begin from the new Parliament building on September 19, they will held there till September 22," the minister said. 

On Sunday, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar hoisted the national flag atop 'Gaja Dwar' of the new Parliament building. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was also present on the occasion. 

New uniforms for Parliamentary staff?

The government is introducing new staff uniforms for an upcoming Parliamentary session at the new Parliament building in New Delhi, sources told Zee Business. All the uniforms have been designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

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(With inputs from agencies)