Page 31 - Guide to Parliament House

GUIDE TO PARLIAMENT HOUSE

1947 from British to Indian hands also took place in this Hall. This Hall
is now being utilised for the Address of the President to the two Houses, Joint
Sittings of the two Houses and other important national and international con­
ferences. It also serves as a Lobby for Members when the Houses are in session.
On the occasion of the President's Address to both Houses of Parliament, the
number of seats in Central Hall is increased to 700 by placing additional chairs
in the pit gangways and along the periphery of the Hall.

Galleries : When the Hall was used as Library of the Legislature, it had
a gallery on the first floor without any seating arrangement. In 1946, this Gallery
was divided into six separate galleries and provided with 354 seats—59 seats in
each gallery. These galleries now accommodate the Press Correspondents,
high dignitaries and the public at the time of important functions.

Lobbies: The lobbies skirting the Central Hall have been enclosed to form
eight separate rooms. Three of them are used as lounges for Members including
one for the exclusive use of Lady Members. Four rooms are used by Opposition,
Party /Group Offices. The last is being used as a First-aid-post where a doctor is- in
attendance throughout the year. All these rooms are furnished with sofa-sets etc.