Renaming of Old Parliament Building as ‘Samvidhan Sadan’ Marks Transition to Modern Legislative Era

19-09-2023 : The old Parliament building has been officially renamed ‘Samvidhan Sadan,’ as announced by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday, coinciding with the transition of parliamentary operations to the new building. This symbolic renaming reflects a profound shift in the parliamentary proceedings and marks the old Parliament building’s transformation into a new era.

Furthermore, Speaker Om Birla declared that certain terms traditionally associated with the Lok Sabha’s functioning, such as ‘House,’ ‘Lobby,’ and ‘Galleries,’ will now exclusively refer to the new Parliament building, which has become the new legislative center of India. The decision to redefine these terms emphasizes the significance of the new building in shaping the nation’s legislative landscape.

In a prior gathering held in the Central Hall of the old Parliament building, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had suggested the renaming of the building to “Samvidhan Sadan” during the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. He emphasized the need to preserve the dignity and importance of the old Parliament building even as the government transitions to the new structure. This change signifies a continuation of the legacy and historical significance associated with the old Parliament building.

Members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha convened at the historic Central Hall of the old Parliament building to mark this momentous occasion and the renaming of the iconic structure.