Governor Residences Renamed: Raj Bhavans Become Lok Bhavans in PM Modi's Public Service Initiative

New Delhi:

The official residences of Governors across India, traditionally known as Raj Bhavans, are being renamed as Lok Bhavan, aligning with the government's emphasis on public service.

Several states including Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Tripura, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu have already implemented this change. Governors have primarily announced these name changes through their social media platforms.

A statement from the newly renamed Lok Bhavan, Kolkata, Social Media (formerly the Raj Bhavan X handle) stated: "In tune with the transformational and inspirational leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that has ensured participation of people across all segments of society in the onward spectacular march towards VIKSIT BHARAT, Raj Bhavans and Raj Niwas across the country has been uniformly decided to be renamed as LOK BHAVAN and LOK NIWAS respectively, as per a Notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 25 November, 2025".

The post continued: "On March 27, 2023 Hon'ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu handed over a symbolic key of the then Raj Bhavan to Hon'ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on the request of Hon'ble Governor Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, heralding a new era of people's Raj Bhavan – THE JANA RAJ…"

According to BJP sources, this renaming initiative is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for public service.

This transformation began with changing the Prime Minister's official address, which had remained unchanged for decades. Previously known as 7 Race Course Road, it was renamed to Lok Kalyan Marg two years after PM Modi assumed office.

Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, government facilities and public spaces have been systematically renamed to emphasize the principles of duty and transparency, underscoring the concept that government exists to serve citizens.

Since then, Rajpath, one of the most recognizable roads in New Delhi, has been renamed Kartavya Path. The new Prime Minister's Office complex will be called Seva Teerth.

The Central Secretariat, comprising various buildings housing all ministries, has been renamed Kartavya Bhavan, serving as a reminder that public service represents a commitment rather than merely a position.

A BJP leader explained that while these changes may appear symbolic, they reflect a significant ideological shift. According to him, Indian democracy now prioritizes responsibility over power, and service over status.

The leader emphasized that changing names also transforms mindsets, as institutions communicate values – and today, they express the principles of service, duty, and citizen-first governance.