Centre renames PMO to ‘Seva Teerth’, Raj Bhavans to be known as Lok Bhavan; Know why

The Indian government has announced sweeping renaming of key official residences and offices. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) will henceforth be known as Seva Teerth, and all state governor houses (Raj Bhavans) will be renamed Lok Bhavan.

Post Published By: Sona Saini

Updated : 2 December 2025, 4:13 PM IST

PMO Now ‘Seva Teerth’, Raj Bhavans Turn ‘Lok Bhavan’

New Delhi: In a major decision, the central government has announced a renaming of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). From now on, the PMO will be known as "Seva Teerth." The government says this change is not just about the name but about the concept, so that the office serves as a center for public service rather than a symbol of power.

Raj Bhavans to be "Lok Bhavans"

Not just the PMO, the official residences of the governors of all states formerly known as Raj Bhavans will now be called "Lok Bhavans." This renaming is seen as a step away from colonial and monarchical symbolism and toward a democratic and public-responsive approach.

Aim of changing names

This change is not merely administrative but cultural, symbolizing India's shift from power to service. According to the government, these changes in public institutions are being made with the aim of strengthening public sentiment and democratic values.

The Prime Minister's Office stated, "We are moving from power to service. This shift is not administrative, but cultural. Major changes are underway in public institutions."

Earlier, the historic Rajpath in the capital, Delhi, was renamed Kartavya Path. The Prime Minister's residence is now called Lok Kalyan Marg. Previously known as Race Course Road, it was changed in 2016.

Following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs, eight states and one Union Territory have officially changed the names of their Raj Bhavans. Citing last year's conference of governors, the ministry stated that the name "Raj Bhavan" reflects a colonial mindset and needs to be changed to reflect democratic values.

Which states have changed names?

West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Gujarat, and Tripura have renamed their Raj Bhavans as Lok Bhavans. The central government has also decided to change the name of the Central Secretariat to Kartavya Bhavan.

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