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PM Modi Inaugurates Seva Teerth, Moves PMO from Colonial South Block

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the new 'Seva Teerth' administrative complex, marking a historic shift of the Prime Minister's Office from the British-era South Block. The modern complex will consolidate the PMO, National Security Council Secretariat, and Cabinet Secretariat into one integrated, eco-friendly facility. The move, occurring on the symbolic anniversary of New Delhi being declared the colonial capital, is framed as a decisive break from the past to build a self-reliant India. The adjacent Kartavya Bhavan complexes will also house numerous key ministries, aiming to foster efficient, collaborative, and citizen-centric governance.

Key Points: PM Modi Inaugurates Seva Teerth, PMO Moves from South Block

  • Modern PMO complex inaugurated
  • Consolidates key ministries
  • Built to 4-Star GRIHA eco-standards
  • Symbolic break from colonial past
4 min read

PM Modi to inaugurate 'Seva Teerth,' moving PMO from British-era South Block

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates the new Seva Teerth complex, moving the PMO from the British-era South Block to a modern, integrated administrative hub.

"reflects PM Modi's resolve to shed colonial legacies - Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, February 12

In a historic leap, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil the landmark "Seva Teerth" complex on February 13, consolidating the PMO and key, scattered ministries with 4-Star GRIHA standards.

It will house PM Modi's office, the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat, all of which were previously located in separate buildings.

Replacing fragmented facilities, these modern, eco-friendly complexes consolidate key offices to foster a secure, efficient, and citizen-centric governance ecosystem. Following the 1:30 PM inauguration of the name, the Prime Minister will address a public programme at 6 PM and formally inaugurate Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2.

The inauguration marks a transformative milestone in India's administrative governance architecture and reflects the Prime Minister's commitment to building a modern, efficient, accessible and citizen-centric governance ecosystem, an official release from the Prime Minister's Office said.

For decades, several key government offices and ministries operated from fragmented, ageing infrastructure spread across multiple locations in the Central Vista area. This dispersion led to operational inefficiencies, coordination challenges, escalating maintenance costs and sub-optimal working environments.

The new building complexes address these issues by consolidating administrative functions within modern, future-ready facilities.

Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2 accommodate several key ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Law & Justice, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Both building complexes will feature digitally integrated offices, structured public interface zones, and centralised reception facilities. These features will foster collaboration, improve efficiency, enable seamless governance, enhance citizen engagement, and improve employee well-being.

Designed in accordance with 4-Star GRIHA standards, the complexes will incorporate renewable energy systems, water conservation measures, waste management solutions, and high-performance building envelopes.

These measures significantly reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. The building complexes also include comprehensive safety and security frameworks, such as smart access control systems, surveillance networks and advanced emergency response infrastructure, ensuring a secure and accessible environment for officials and visitors.

The Union Minister (Ind. Charge) of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, also highlighted the significance of this inauguration, and stated that it showcases the PM's resolve to "shed colonial legacies" as his office will move from the "British era" South Block to Seva Teerth tomorrow.

He also highlighted the significance of the inauguration date: on February 13, 1931, the British formally declared New Delhi the capital of colonial India, making the date highly symbolic in the goal of building a "truly Aatmanirbhar, self-confident New India."

Singh took to his official X account, stating that the "iconic" PM office will move to its new address.

"Tomorrow, 13 Feb 2026, the history of independent India takes a new turn. The iconic PMO "Prime Minister's Office" moves from the British era South Block to its new address, #SevaTeerth". Incidentally, on this very day in 1931, 13 February, the British declared New Delhi the Capital of colonial India. From that colonial proclamation to this decisive transition, the journey reflects PM @narendramodi's resolve to shed colonial legacies and build a truly Aatmanirbhar, self-confident New India." Singh wrote on X.

The Prime Minister's official residence was renamed Lok Kalyan Marg in 2016, a name that conveys welfare rather than exclusivity and is a reminder of the work that lies ahead for every elected government.

Earlier last year, the Home Ministry sent a communication to states for the change, as states' Raj Bhavans across the country were being renamed as Lok Bhavans. India's public institutions are undergoing a quiet but profound shift, and the idea of governance is moving from "satta to seva and from authority to responsibility", sources said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the symbolism of leaving a British-era building is strong, I hope the massive expenditure on this new complex is justified by tangible improvements. Consolidating ministries should reduce red tape, but will it make it easier for a common person like me to get work done? The proof will be in the implementation.
R
Rohit P
Fantastic step! The 4-Star GRIHA rating and focus on renewable energy is what modern government infrastructure should be about. Shedding colonial baggage and creating a workspace designed for collaboration and efficiency is a welcome change. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with government offices, the "operational inefficiencies" mentioned are very real. If having Finance, Defence, and other key ministries under one roof actually improves coordination and speeds up projects, it will be a game-changer for the country's development pace.
K
Karthik V
The name 'Seva Teerth' is beautiful – a pilgrimage of service. The date chosen, February 13th, to counter the colonial declaration, shows great thought. This is about building a new psychological and administrative identity for India. From 'satta' to 'seva' is the need of the hour.
M
Michael C
A modern, integrated, and eco-friendly seat of government is impressive on paper. The real test will be whether this "digitally integrated" and "citizen-centric" vision reaches the last mile. Will the farmer in a remote village or the small business owner feel the difference? That's the ultimate goal.

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