Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Tuesday hit out at the Central government over its Central Vista project, saying at a time when the country is grappling with the unprecedented second wave of the deadly Covid-19 and people are struggling with oxygen shortage, hospital beds, and vaccines, it would be better if the government deploys all resources in saving lives instead of building a new house for the prime minister.
Her attack on the government came over reports that the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has informed informed the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), (panel appointed by the central government) that the construction of a new Parliament building will be done by November 2022 and the prime minister’s residence will be constructed by December 2022.
Tweeting in Hindi, Priyanka Gandhi wrote that at a time when the people of the country are struggling with oxygen crisis, hospital beds, vaccines, medicines, it would be better if the government deploys all resources in saving the lives of the people, instead of building a new house for the Prime Minister at Rs 13,000 crore. Such expenses show to public that the priorities of the government are in some other direction, the Congress general secretary said.
The Central Vista revamp, announced in September 2019 envisages a new triangular Parliament building, with a seating capacity for 900 to 1,200 MPs, that is to be constructed by August 2022 when the country will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day.
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Work on the redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue started with the Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan ceremony in February. The Central Vista Avenue starts from North and South Block to India Gate and includes the Rajpath, its adjoining lawns and canals, rows of trees, Vijay Chowk, and the India Gate plaza.