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. 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.
