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Arunachal Renames Raj Bhavan: Why 'Lok Bhavan' Signals a Democratic Shift

Arunachal Pradesh has officially renamed its Raj Bhavan to 'Lok Bhavan'. This change follows a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs and aligns with seven other Northeastern states. Officials state the renaming is a symbolic gesture reflecting India's democratic system, moving away from royal connotations. The order mandates the new name be used across all official platforms and communications.

Key Points: Arunachal Pradesh Raj Bhavan Renamed Lok Bhavan by MHA Order

  • Official name change formalized after Governor KT Parnaik returned to Itanagar
  • New name 'Lok Bhavan' must be used on all official communications and signage
  • The move follows similar renamings in seven other Northeastern states
  • The change is described as a mark of respect to prevailing democratic systems
3 min read

Arunachal renames Raj Bhavan as 'Lok Bhavan'

Arunachal Pradesh renames Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan following MHA directive, joining seven other NE states in a symbolic move towards democratic nomenclature.

"With the name Raj Bhavan, there was an impression that it belonged to a royal dynasty... Now that democracy prevails... that's why Raj Bhavan has been renamed Lok Bhavan. - Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu"

Itanagar, Dec 6

The Raj Bhavan in Arunachal Pradesh has been renamed as 'Lok Bhavan' following a communication from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), officials said on Saturday.

The Raj Bhavans in seven other Northeastern states -- Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur and Sikkim had earlier been renamed as 'Lok Bhavan'.

The change in nomenclature in Arunachal Pradesh was formalised after Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) returned to Itanagar, officials added.

Commissioner to Arunachal Governor Pawan Kumar Sain in an order said that in pursuance of the communication from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in a memorandum on November 25 and as per the direction of the state Governor notified that the official name of "Raj Bhavan" shall stand changed to 'Lok Bhavan".

Raj Bhavan, Arunachal Pradesh shall henceforth be referred to as "Lok Bhavan", the order said.

The order said that the new nomenclature "Lok Bhavan" shall be used in all official communications, records, signages, digital platforms, stationary, and all other references pertaining to the Governor's establishment.

All Departments and offices under the state government and all concerned agencies are requested to take note of the above change and ensure necessary amendments in their official documents, websites and correspondence, the order said.

Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu earlier said that the decision to rename the Raj Bhavan to 'Lok Bhavan' has been taken as a mark of respect to democracy.

"With the name Raj Bhavan, there was an impression that it belonged to a royal dynasty or a king. Now that democracy prevails and governments are elected through a democratic system, that's why Raj Bhavan has been renamed Lok Bhavan," the Governor had told the media.

An official said that from now on, the Raj Bhavan holdings in Tripura's capital Agartala shall be named Lok Bhavan for all purposes.

The historic mansion Pushpabanta (or Pushpavanta) Palace, also known as Kunjaban Palace, which served as the Raj Bhavan until 2018, was built in 1917 by the then Tripura king Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya Debbarma Bahadur.

In 2018, the Governor's house was shifted to the Capital Complex area on the outskirts of the city.

The Tripura government, earlier this year, signed a lease agreement with a private company to make the 108-year-old Pushpabanta Palace in Agartala a 5-star hotel.

Various organisations, including the frontal wings of the ruling BJP's ally Tipra Motha Party, staged a series of protests opposing the Tripura government's move to privatise the iconic Pushpabanta Palace and convert it into a five-star hotel by a private group.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While the intention behind 'Lok Bhavan' is good, I hope the focus remains on substantive governance and development for Arunachal and the NE states, not just on symbolic name changes. The real 'Lok' needs better roads, healthcare, and job opportunities.
R
Rahul R
Good step. It aligns with the modern, democratic ethos of India. The term 'Raj' does feel outdated. However, reading about the Pushpabanta Palace in Tripura being turned into a hotel is a bit sad. Such heritage buildings have history. Couldn't it be a public museum or cultural centre instead?
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this change across all eight states. Shows a coordinated policy approach for the region. The explanation about respecting democracy makes sense. Wondering if other states across India will follow suit now?
K
Karthik V
As someone from the South, I appreciate this move for the Northeast. It's a small but significant gesture of inclusion, moving away from colonial/feudal terminology. 'Lok' is a powerful Sanskrit/Indian word meaning people. Jai Hind!
M
Meera T
The name change is fine, but what about the cost involved? Changing all signage, stationery, digital platforms... across eight states? That's taxpayer money. Couldn't this fund have been used for something more directly beneficial to the 'Lok'? Just a thought.

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