Following the inauguration, PM Modi suggested that residential premises, comprising 184 type-VII multi-storey flats, should celebrate India's different festivals and compete on cleanliness
PM Modi inaugurates the newly constructed flats for MPs in New Delhi. Pic/PTI
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a complex of multi-storey flats for parliamentarians in at Baba Kharak Singh Marg close to Parliament House comprises.
Following the inauguration, PM Modi suggested that residential premises, comprising 184 type-VII multi-storey flats, should celebrate India's different festivals and compete on cleanliness.
He also took a swipe at his rivals and said some people may link Kosi, the name of one of the four towers christened after different rivers, to the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections, but he will tell such "small-minded" people that the tradition of naming towers after rivers unites people.
The three other towers are named Krishna, Godavari and Hooghly, reported PTI.
"These rivers, which give life to millions, will now inspire a new stream of joy in the lives of public representatives," PM Modi said, adding that there had long been a shortage of residences for MPs and first-time members had to struggle to get a house. However, no new residence was built for Lok Sabha lawmakers between 2004 and 2014, when the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was in power, and his government has constructed around 350 of them, noted PM Modi.
"The India of the 21st century is as sensitive as it is eager for development," he said, adding that his government built a new government secretariat, Parliament building and houses for MPs and also constructed over four crore homes for the poor, hundreds of medical colleges and provided piped water supply for households.
PM Modi also stated that the old houses for MPs were in a poor state and posed several problems, adding that lawmakers will face no such issue in these modern flats, each with a carpet area of over 5,000 sq ft.
When MPs are free of their own problems, they can use their time and energy more effectively on addressing people's problems, Modi said.
These flats will also help save money as the government spent a considerable sum in maintaining old houses, he claimed.
Noting that Members of Parliament (MP) from different states and regions will be staying in these premises, he said it will symbolise the idea of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. It will be a great move if festivals of different states are celebrated collectively, he said, adding that the MPs can ask their constituents to join them as well.
PM Modi further suggested that the MPs living on the premises should consider it their duty to ensure that the place is identified with sustainability and cleanliness.
He said he will urge the ministry and the residential committee concerned if there can be a competition two to three times annually among the different premises housing MPs on cleanliness.
"It should be declared (after competition) that this particular block was found cleanest. Maybe, after a year, we can also announce which is the best and which is the worst."
During the inauguration, PM Modi also planted a sindoor sapling on the premises, something he has often done to mark different events since Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
He interacted with engineers and other personnel involved in the construction and praised them for their efforts.
The complex is designed to be self-sufficient and is equipped with a full range of modern amenities to address the functional needs of the members of the Parliament, according to a statement.
"Incorporating green technology, the project adheres to the standards of the GRIHA 3-star rating and complies with the National Building Code (NBC) 2016. These environmentally sustainable features are expected to contribute to energy conservation, renewable energy generation, and effective waste management," it said.
Each residential unit provides ample space for both residential and official functions, the statement added. The inclusion of dedicated areas for offices, staff accommodation, and a community centre will support MPs in fulfilling their responsibilities as public representatives, it said.
All buildings within the complex are constructed to be earthquake-resistant, in accordance with modern structural design norms. A comprehensive and robust security system has been implemented to ensure the safety of all residents, the statement said.
(With PTI inputs)
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