System check at new Parliament building ahead of Monsoon Session

The building, which was constructed adjacent to the old Parliament House, is likely to host the Monsoon Session next month. However, the government is yet to make an official announcement.

parliament building, Monsoon session, Parliament Monsoon Session, Monsoon Session of Parliament, Narendra Modi, BJP, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian Express, India news, current affairs

The new Parliament building is likely to host the Monsoon Session next month. (File)

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HOW LOUD should the quorum bell be; at what temperature should the air-conditioning be fixed; are the automated security systems working as planned — these are some of the questions before officials as they test all systems at the new Parliament building this week ahead of the Monsoon Session in July.

A month since the building was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28, the new Parliament is abuzz with activity, with some finishing work going on, apart from the testing of systems by officials of the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, the Central Public Works Department, and the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha secretariats, according to sources.

The building, which was constructed adjacent to the old Parliament House, is likely to host the Monsoon Session next month. However, the government is yet to make an official announcement.

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In the month since the inauguration, workers have continued to put finishing touches to the basement level and the offices of ministers, while audio, video and other systems in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers have been tested.

The sound system, microphones, cooling and configuration of desks for staff in Lok Sabha are now being tested, said an official, adding that the volume of the quorum bell, which indicates that there is no quorum or the minimum number of MPs required to be present in the House, was being tested too. Automation of systems, including bollards, was being carried out as well.

Even as the finishing work is going on, shifting from the old building to the new one is underway, said a Lok Sabha source on condition of anonymity.

Addressing MPs and guests at the inauguration of the new Parliament building, the Prime Minister had said the building was a “reflection of the aspirations and dreams of 140 crore Indians”. The inauguration was boycotted by 20 Opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, in protest against the Prime Minister presiding over the ceremony instead of President Droupadi Murmu.

Damini Nath

Damini Nath is an Assistant Editor with the national bureau of The Indian Express. She covers the housing and urban affairs and Election Commission beats. She has 11 years of experience as a reporter and sub-editor. Before joining The Indian Express in 2022, she was a reporter with The Hindu’s national bureau covering culture, social justice, housing and urban affairs and the Election Commission. Expertise Key Coverage Areas: Damini Nath currently specializes in reporting on two crucial beats: Housing and Urban Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis and reporting on India's urban development, policy, and housing issues. Election Commission (EC): Offering authoritative coverage of electoral processes, policies, and the functioning of India's constitutional body responsible for conducting elections. Professional Background: Her extensive experience includes roles as a reporter and sub-editor, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the journalistic process from fieldwork to final production. Previous Role: Before joining The Indian Express in 2022, she served as a dedicated reporter with The Hindu’s national bureau, where her reporting portfolio included: Culture Social Justice Housing and Urban Affairs The Election Commission beat (a consistent area of focus). Trustworthiness Damini Nath's decade-plus career at two of India's most respected and authoritative news institutions, The Indian Express and The Hindu, underscores her commitment to factual, impartial, and high-quality reporting, establishing her as a trusted and credible source for news on urban governance and electoral matters. ... Read More

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