Correct Answer :   ₹75

The Ministry of Finance has announced the launch of a special ₹75 coin to commemorate the inauguration of India’s new parliament building.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the coin on Sunday(28 May 2023), coinciding with the celebration of India’s 75 years of independence.

The Design and Symbolism :

* The newly minted ₹75 coin will feature the iconic Lion Capital of the Ashoka Pillar on one side, with the words “Satyamev Jayate” below it. The coin will bear the inscription “Bharat” in Devanagari script on the left side and “India” in English on the right.

* It will also display the rupee symbol and the denomination value of 75 in international numerals beneath the Lion Capital. On the reverse side, an image of the parliament complex will be depicted, with “Sansad Sankul” written in Devanagari script on the upper periphery and “Parliament Complex” in English on the lower periphery.

Significance of the Coin : The issuance of the ₹75 coin holds great symbolic importance as it pays tribute to India’s 75 years of independence. The Lion Capital, a national emblem of India, represents strength, courage, and righteousness. The inclusion of the parliament complex highlights the significance of the new building and its role as a center of democracy.

Specifications and Composition : The circular coin will have a diameter of 44 millimeters and 200 serrations along its edges. It will weigh 35 grams and be composed of a four-part alloy, consisting of 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% nickel, and 5% zinc. The use of silver in the composition adds a precious and commemorative element to the coin.

Controversy Surrounding the Inauguration : While the inauguration of the new parliament building is expected to be a momentous occasion, it has faced opposition from several political parties. The Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Left, Trinamool, and Samajwadi Party, among others, have announced their decision to boycott the event. They argue that the focus should be on preserving the “soul of democracy” rather than constructing a new building.

Opposition’s Criticism and BJP’s Response : The opposition parties have expressed their disapproval of Prime Minister Modi inaugurating the new parliament building instead of President Droupadi Murmu. They perceive it as a departure from democratic norms and an affront to constitutional values. In response, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has labeled the opposition’s decision to boycott the inauguration as a “blatant affront to democratic ethos and constitutional values of our great nation.”