Last Updated:
Under PM Modi, government spaces have been consciously redesigned and renamed to reflect transparent and citizen-first governance.
the Central Secretariat has been re-envisioned as Kartavya Bhavan, reinforcing the idea that the machinery of the state is built around commitment instead of privilege. (Representational image: YouTube/Narendra Modi)
Several states and union territories have now renamed their Governors’ or Lieutenant Governors’ residences from Raj Bhavan or Raj Niwas to Lok Bhavan or Lok Niwas, acting on a directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that argued the old nomenclature “smacks of colonialism”.
The move is the latest step in a quiet but profound shift taking place across India’s public institutions — a move to recast the architecture of governance from the language of “satta” to the ethics of “sewa”, insist government sources. They add that it stems from a shift from authority to the obligation of responsibility.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, government spaces have been consciously redesigned and renamed to reflect transparent and citizen-first governance. From altered names to refurbished buildings, sources in the Modi government insist every reimagined symbol carries a single message: the government exists to serve.
When Rajpath became Kartavya Path in 2022, a ceremonial boulevard was turned into a civic lesson — power is not an entitlement; it is a “duty”, government sources add. The formal inauguration of the renamed stretch took place on September 8, 2022, under the Narendra Modi-led government.
“How can Rajpath make the rulers realise their responsibilities if the name is Raj? Rajpath is a symbol of oppression and slavery. Today, the architecture has changed. Now, when MPs and Ministers walk on Kartavya Path, they will realise their responsibilities,” PM Modi said.
In 2016, the Prime Minister’s residence shed its exclusivist overtones to become Lok Kalyan Marg, a reminder that the core purpose of governance is public welfare. Earlier, it was known as Race Course Road (RCR).
The new complex housing the Prime Minister’s Office will now carry the name “Sewa Teerth”, the government announced, envisioned as a workplace rooted in the spirit of service, where national priorities are shaped.
The Central Secretariat has been re-envisioned as Kartavya Bhavan, reinforcing the idea that the machinery of the state is built around commitment instead of privilege, sources claim.
Overall, these changes signal a deeper ideological transition. Indian democracy is choosing responsibility over power, and service over status.
About the Author
Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep …Read More
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. December 02, 2025, 16:30 IST
Read More
