The upcoming special session of Parliament, scheduled from September 18-22, will commence in the old Parliament building and then shift to the newly-inaugurated building on September 19, coinciding with Ganesh Chaturthi, sources said on Tuesday.
Session Starts in Old Building
The session will kick off in the old Parliament building on September 18 as planned. Parliamentary operations will then shift to the new building on September 19, according to sources quoted by ANI.
The new Parliament building was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28 this year. With a built-up area of over 100,000 square meters, the imposing structure can accommodate 888 members in the Lok Sabha and 384 members in the Rajya Sabha.
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First Session in New Building
The monsoon session earlier this year was held in the old building. The upcoming special session will mark the first time parliamentary proceedings are held in the new building.
The shift is likely to happen on Ganesh Chaturthi, which falls on September 19 this year. The auspicious occasion is seen as ideal for inaugurating new ventures.
No Question Hour or Private Members’ Business
Both Houses of Parliament have confirmed that the session will be held without Question Hour or private members’ business. The Houses will only have legislative and financial items on the agenda during the five sittings.
The provisional calendar will be communicated to members separately, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha secretariats stated on Saturday.
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Speculation on Agenda
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announced the special session on September 8 but did not disclose the agenda, leading to intense speculation.
There is buzz that the government may introduce a resolution to change the country’s official name from India to Bharat. Simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies may also come up for discussion.
The session is being held just days after India hosts the G20 Summit in Delhi on September 9-10. The government has also initiated arrangements for a group photograph of MPs, further fueling conjecture that this could be the last session of the current Lok Sabha.
The Congress has said while it will participate constructively in the session, it wants the government to also discuss issues of public importance and not just “Prime Minister Modi’s praises”.
Overall, the special session is likely to see animated debates between the treasury and opposition benches. The country will be keenly watching parliamentary proceedings unfold in the new building, which is a symbol of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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