A profound shift in governance philosophy for a citizen-first India.
In a monumental move reflecting a profound shift in governance philosophy, the Modi government has announced significant renamings of several key public institutions across India. This initiative, deeply rooted in the principles of duty, service, and a citizen-first approach, aims to shed colonial-era nomenclature and foster a stronger connection with democratic Indian values. From the Central Secretariat transforming into Kartavya Bhavan to the PMO complex becoming Seva Teerth, and Raj Bhavans nationwide embracing the name Lok Bhavan, these changes signal a decisive step towards redefining public service.
This blog post dives into the details of these pivotal renamings, exploring their significance and impact on India’s administrative landscape. Get ready to understand the vision behind these historic transformations!
The Central Secretariat Transforms into Kartavya Bhavan: A Hub of Duty
The very heart of India’s administration, the Central Secretariat, is undergoing a massive transformation, both physically and symbolically. It has been officially renamed Kartavya Bhavan, signifying a renewed emphasis on “duty.” This change is not merely cosmetic; it is intricately linked with the ambitious Central Vista Redevelopment Project in New Delhi, designed to create a modernized, centralized administrative complex.
Kartavya Bhavan, also known as the Common Central Secretariat (CCS), is a sprawling complex of ten newly constructed office buildings. It is set to replace older, fragmented structures like Shastri Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, and Krishi Bhawan, streamlining government operations and fostering greater synergy between ministries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first building of this complex, Kartavya Bhavan-3, on August 6, 2025. This state-of-the-art facility is intended to house critical ministries, including Home Affairs, External Affairs, and Rural Development, promising enhanced efficiency and coordination. The full CCS campus is projected to be fully operational by mid-2027, marking a new chapter for India’s administrative backbone.
Seva Teerth: The PMO’s New Ethos of Service
Further reinforcing the government’s commitment to “service-oriented governance,” the new complex designated to house the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has been officially named “Seva Teerth.” This evocative name, meaning “service pilgrimage,” encapsulates the profound philosophy behind the change: a journey dedicated to public service. Officials highlight that this renaming reflects a deliberate move away from a “colonial mindset” and towards an administration rooted in dedication and responsibility.
The Seva Teerth complex, formerly known as the ‘Executive Enclave’ under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, is rapidly nearing completion. Beyond the PMO, it will also incorporate the Cabinet Secretariat, the National Security Council Secretariat, and India House, which is poised to become a premier venue for high-level diplomatic talks with visiting dignitaries. This strategic consolidation aims to create a cohesive and highly functional nerve center for national priorities. The name itself, Seva Teerth, is intended to symbolize a workplace where national policies are shaped with an unwavering spirit of service, emphasizing a powerful transition from “power to service” and “authority to responsibility.” This vision aligns perfectly with the broader goal of fostering a citizen-first governance model.
Lok Bhavan: Raj Bhavans Embrace the People’s House
The winds of change are sweeping across state governance as well, with Raj Bhavans across the country being rebranded to align with India’s democratic spirit. In a significant move, the Rajasthan Raj Bhavan has been officially renamed “Lok Bhavan,” with this change taking effect on December 1, 2025. Rajasthan now joins eight other states, including Uttarakhand, Tripura, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Gujarat, and Odisha, that have already adopted this democratic nomenclature.
This nationwide initiative stems from a recommendation during the Conference of Governors in 2024, followed by a request from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The rationale is clear: to shed “colonial-era nomenclature” that carried associations with British-era governance. “Lok Bhavan,” meaning “People’s House,” powerfully reflects public aspirations and the core tenet of the Indian Constitution, which begins with “We, the people of India.” This move is seen as a crucial step towards dismantling the lingering vestiges of a colonial mindset and fully embracing democratic Indian values. Following the official renaming, all government stationery, documents, signboards, and even social media accounts are being updated to reflect the new identity, making these high constitutional offices symbolically more accessible and representative of the citizens they serve.
A New Chapter for India: Duty, Service, and Citizen-First Governance
The recent renamings of the Central Secretariat to Kartavya Bhavan, the PMO complex to Seva Teerth, and Raj Bhavans to Lok Bhavan signify more than just a change of address. These initiatives by the Modi government represent a profound cultural and moral shift in India’s public institutions. They underscore a powerful transition from a focus on power and colonial legacy to one of unwavering duty, responsibility, and citizen-first governance.
These renamings, much like the earlier transformation of Rajpath to Kartavya Path and the Prime Minister’s official residence to Lok Kalyan Marg, are a testament to a concerted effort to indigenize public administration. They aim to instill a renewed sense of purpose, reminding every public servant of their foundational commitment to the people of India. As these new identities take root, they are poised to inspire an era of transparent, accountable, and truly people-centric governance, propelling India towards its vision of a developed and self-reliant nation. The journey of service-oriented governance has truly begun.
About the Author
