Reports indicate a significant shift in administrative naming conventions, with the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) complex set to be officially designated as 'Seva Teerth'. This change is part of the ongoing Central Vista Project, a wide-ranging redevelopment initiative in New Delhi. The renaming signals a deliberate move towards a governance philosophy emphasizing public service over traditional notions of power.
Shifting Administrative Landscape
The move of the Prime Minister's Office to the new complex, named 'Seva Teerth', is anticipated to occur soon as construction nears completion. This new hub is designed to consolidate key government functions, housing not only the PMO but also the Cabinet Secretariat and the National Security Council Secretariat. The complex, previously referred to as the Executive Enclave, also includes 'India House', a facility intended for high-level meetings with foreign dignitaries.
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The Prime Minister's Office is expected to relocate to the new 'Seva Teerth' complex shortly.
The complex is part of the broader Central Vista Project.
Other key administrative bodies, including the Cabinet Secretariat and the National Security Council Secretariat, will also be housed within 'Seva Teerth'.
'India House' is designated for diplomatic engagements.
Philosophical Underpinnings of the Name Change
Officials have articulated that the name 'Seva Teerth' is intended to embody a philosophical shift in governance.
"According to officials, the name ‘Seva Teerth’ reflects the government’s larger philosophical shift… It signals that governance is moving from ‘satta’ (power) to ‘seva’ (service), and from authority to responsibility." - Sentinel Assam
This emphasis on "seva" (service) is a recurrent theme, with other government buildings also undergoing name changes to reflect a similar ethos. For instance, the Central Secretariat buildings have been renamed Kartavya Bhavan, underscoring a commitment to duty and public service. Similarly, state governor residences are being transformed from Raj Bhavans to Lok Bhavans, signifying a move towards being the "true homes of the people."
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The new name, 'Seva Teerth', directly translates to a place of service.
This change aligns with a broader governmental narrative of prioritizing public service.
Other government institutions, like the Central Secretariat and state Raj Bhavans, have also seen name changes reflecting similar values.
New Residence for the Prime Minister
In conjunction with the new office complex, a new Prime Minister's residence is also under construction in close proximity to 'Seva Teerth'. While the office facilities are nearing readiness, construction on ministerial office buildings is also progressing, with several already operational.
A new Prime Minister's residence is being built near the 'Seva Teerth' office complex.
The 'Seva Teerth' complex includes multiple buildings for various governmental functions.
Broader Context of Administrative Restructuring
The renaming and redevelopment efforts extend beyond the immediate PMO complex. This initiative appears to be part of a larger effort to reshape the symbolic landscape of governance. The focus on names like 'Seva' and 'Kartavya' suggests a deliberate attempt to imbue administrative spaces with a specific ideology of public duty and service.
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The changes are seen as a symbol of a move from 'satta' (power) to 'seva' (service).
The spirit of 'service' is highlighted as the core idea behind the new PMO name.
The rebranding of buildings is presented as a way to change the "spirit in which India governs itself."
Sources Used
Asian Age: Anita Katyal | Will PM House Shift To Seva Teerth Soon?
Summary Context: Provides an author's opinion piece touching on the potential shift of the Prime Minister's residence and broader political concerns, though the primary focus is on the administrative changes.
News18: PM Modi Set To Shift To New Office 'Seva Teerth' Near Raisina Hill Soon
Summary Context: Reports on the impending move of PM Modi to the new 'Seva Teerth' office, detailing its inclusion in the Central Vista Project and the functions of its constituent buildings.
AP7AM: New name for public mission: PMO to be called ‘Seva Teerth’
Link: https://www.ap7am.com/en/115402/new-name-for-public-mission-pmo-to-be-called-seva-teerth
Summary Context: Discusses the renaming of government spaces, including the PMO to 'Seva Teerth', and links it to a broader philosophy of people-centric governance and renewal.
Sentinel Assam: ‘Seva Teerth': New PMO Complex Symbolises Shift from Power to Public Service
Summary Context: Confirms the official naming of the new PMO complex as 'Seva Teerth' and elaborates on the symbolic shift from 'satta' (power) to 'seva' (service).
The Daily Jagran: PMO Name Change: Complex Housing Prime Minister’s Office To Be Named ‘Seva Teerth’
Summary Context: Reports on the PMO's impending move to the new 'Seva Teerth' building and reiterates the symbolic meaning of the name change, referencing similar changes like Kartavya Bhavan.
