The Central Vista project is a massive redevelopment plan that aims to revamp the historic center of New Delhi, including the construction of a new Parliament building and the refurbishment of several government buildings. One of the primary objectives of the project is to save Rs 1000 crore per annum in rental costs that the government currently incurs for various offices and ministries.

According to data submitted by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta in the Supreme Court, the old Parliament building in New Delhi had a shortage of 0.38 million square meters of office space, which was rented from various sources. The shortage of office space had been a long-standing issue, with the government having to rent office space from private individuals and organizations to accommodate its growing needs.

There was no centrally-maintained data on the amount spent by various government establishments for renting office space in the National Capital Region, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

In his written response to a question by MPs Dipsinh Shankarsinh Rathod and Mohanbhai Kalyanji Kundariya, Mr. Kishore said: “The details of rental premises/area-wise hired by the various establishments of government and expenditure incurred on those private rental premises/area-wise since their origin of lease agreement are not centrally maintained.”

The old Parliament building, which was built in 1927, was designed to accommodate a much smaller government than what exists today. As the government expanded and new ministries and departments were created, there was a growing need for office space. However, the old Parliament building was unable to accommodate this demand, leading to a shortage of office space.

To address this shortage, the government had to rent office space from private individuals and organizations, including senior Congress and Left leaders. According to the data submitted by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the government had rented 0.38 million square meters of office space from these leaders, which had cost the exchequer a significant amount of money.

The new Parliament building, which is being built as part of the Central Vista project, will provide a consolidated and modern office space for the government, which is currently spread across several buildings in different parts of the city. The new building will be designed to meet modern standards of functionality and sustainability, with features such as green roofs, energy-efficient lighting, and rainwater harvesting systems.

The Central Vista project is expected to provide consolidated and modern office space for the government, which is currently spread across several buildings in different parts of the city. The project includes the construction of a new Parliament building, a new Prime Minister's office, and several other government buildings that will be designed to meet modern standards of functionality and sustainability.

The project is being implemented by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), which has estimated that the government spends around Rs 1000 crore per annum on rent for various offices and ministries. By consolidating the government's offices into a single complex, the CPWD expects to save a significant amount of money in rent and other associated costs.

Apart from the financial benefits, the Central Vista project is also expected to provide several other advantages. The new buildings will be designed to meet modern standards of functionality and sustainability, with features such as green roofs, energy-efficient lighting, and rainwater harvesting systems. The project is also expected to create several job opportunities in the construction and related industries.

However, the Central Vista project has faced opposition from various quarters, including political parties, environmental activists, and civil society organizations. Critics of the project argue that it is a waste of public money and that the funds could be better utilized for healthcare, education, and other social welfare programs. They also raise concerns about the environmental impact of the project and the displacement of residents in the area.

Despite the opposition, the Central Vista project has received approval from the Central government, and construction work is currently underway. The project is expected to be completed in phases, with the new Parliament building scheduled to be ready by 2022, in time for the 75th anniversary of India's independence.

Apart from providing modern and sustainable office space, the Central Vista project is also expected to save the government a significant amount of money in rent and other associated costs. By consolidating the government's offices into a single complex, the project is expected to provide cost savings of around Rs 1000 crore per annum.

In conclusion, the old Parliament building in New Delhi had a shortage of 0.38 million square meters of office space, which was rented from senior Congress and Left leaders. The issue of shortage of office space had been a long-standing one, with several governments over the years trying to address it. However, the Central Vista project, which includes the construction of a new Parliament building and several other government buildings, is expected to finally resolve this issue and provide modern and sustainable office space for the government while saving a significant amount of money in rent and other associated costs.