Bharat experienced a mix of triumphs and setbacks in 2023, marked by the successful Chandrayaan-3 moon mission and a cricket World Cup defeat. One significant event was the inauguration of the new Parliament Building on May 28. The old Parliament House, constructed in the colonial era, faced various issues such as narrow seating, outdated infrastructure, safety concerns, and inadequate workspace. The new building addresses these challenges, boasting an expanded capacity for joint sessions, fostering inclusivity.
The transition from the old building to the new Parliament was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 19. In his inaugural speech, PM Modi emphasized the symbolic connection between the past and present, highlighting the Sengol received by Pandit Nehru as a representation of Bharat’s rich history and unity. Despite the grandeur, the new Parliament faced criticism from opposition leader Jairam Ramesh, who dubbed it ‘Modi Multiplex,’ expressing concerns about its impact on democratic discussions.
PM Modi proposed naming the old Parliament building ‘Samvidhan Sadan’ to preserve its dignity. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam bill, also known as the Women’s Reservation Bill, took center stage as the first legislation presented in the new Parliament. It was passed in both houses, marking a historic moment for gender equality.
On December 18, the Rajya Sabha passed two bills related to Jammu and Kashmir, including the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Bill and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, aiming to reserve 33% of seats for women in the Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry Assemblies.
However, the new Parliament faced a security breach during the Winter Session on December 13, with two individuals infiltrating the Lok Sabha chamber, causing chaos and resulting in the suspension of 146 MPs. Despite the disruption, three crucial bills replacing colonial-era laws were passed – the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita Bill, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita Bill, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that these bills aimed at delivering justice rather than punishment, marking a new era for Bharatiya legislation.
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