The parliament building, that was started in 2009 has missed its completion deadlines at least 3 times since 2011, and has gone over-budget by double the original costing of $45 million.
As it happened:
12: 45 pm:
12: 30 pm: "We must support Afghanistan without timelines because new cloud of extremism are rising, even as the oldones continue to darken our skies," says Prime Minister Narendra Modi
12: 25 pm:
12: 20 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces 500 scholarships for children of martyrs of Afghan security forces. Scheme of 1,000 scholarships will continue.
12:13 pm: Afghanistan with abiding faith in tradition of Jirga has chosen democracy against challenges that would have defeated lesser people:PM
12: 08 pm: Together we have built roads that have brought regions closer; power transmission lines & power stations that light up Afghan homes: PM
12: 07 pm: Our partnership helped rural communities get schools, minor irrigation, health centres, welfare for children & opportunities for women: PM
12: 05 pm: We are deeply touched that you have chosen to name this building the Atal Block: PM
12: 02 pm: We could not have chosen a more special day than the birthday of one of the tallest leaders former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji: PM
12 pm: "I stand here on behalf of 1.25 billion friends in India," says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address.
11: 35 am: Mr. Modi to address the Parliament shortly.
11: 20 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the "Atal Block" in the new Parliament building of Afghanistan.
