National emblem unveiled on new Parliament

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday unveiled the National Emblem cast on the roof of the new Parliament building.
The emblem is made of bronze with a total weight of 9,500 Kg and is 6.5 m in height. It has been cast at the top of the central foyer.
A supporting structure of steel weighing around 6,500 Kg has been constructed to support the emblem.
The new Parliament building is being constructed by the Central Public Works Department.
Starting in January 2021 with an estimated cost of Rs 971 crore, the project is supposed to be completed in time for the winter session of Parliament.
The new building is expected to accommodate up to 888 members in the Lok Sabha, 384 in Rajya Sabha and up to 1,272 seats for a joint session.

The Communist Party of India-Marxist on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiling the national emblem cast on the roof of the new Parliament building was a violation of the Constitution.
“The Prime Minister unveiling the national emblem on top of the new Parliament building is a clear violation of the Indian Constitution. The Constitution unambiguously separates the three wings of our democracy – the Executive (government), the Legislature (Parliament and state assemblies) and the Judiciary,” the party said in a statement here.
It said, “President summons the Parliament. The Prime Minister is the head of the Executive. The Legislature has its independent role to perform, amongst others, to legislate laws, keep the Executive accountable and answerable. This Constitutional separation of powers between the three wings is being subverted by the head of the Executive.
“Furthermore, the Prime Minister performed a puja on the occasion. The Constitution of India gives the right and protection to all Indians to practice and profess their faith. This is an inalienable right. At the same time, the Constitution of India clearly stipulates that the State does not profess or practice any faith/religion,” it added.
As per the party, the Polit Bureau of CPI-M also called upon the Prime Minister and the Union Government to “scrupulously implement the solemn oath they have taken while assuming office, swearing to protect and uphold the Constitution of India.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri were present at the event. (UNI)