Cabinet gives approval to Afghan parliament construction

The union cabinet on Wednesday gave post facto approval for the construction of Afghanistan's parliament building in Kabul, built by India at a revised cost of Rs.969 crore.

The project was inaugurated and dedicated jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on December 25, 2015.

The building will be handed over to the Afghan authorities by March 31, an official statement issued here said.

"It is part of India's efforts in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan. The project is a visible symbol of India's contribution to strengthening and rebuilding democracy in Afghanistan," it said.

The construction of the new parliament building was completed in December 2015 under the India-Afghanistan development cooperation whereas minor touch-up work, including part of sound system and furniture, are being undertaken, the statement said.