The government has revealed its plans to transform the iconic North Block and South Block buildings into the ‘Yuga Yugin Bharat Sangrahalaya’, a grand museum dedicated to narrating India’s long and evolving journey as a nation. This transition is expected to begin next month, coinciding with the historic shift of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) from the South Block, where it has been situated since independence, to the newly constructed Executive Enclave under the Central Vista Project. The relocation of the PMO to this modern complex will also bring it closer to the Prime Minister’s official residence, ensuring smoother functioning and improved accessibility.
The announcement about converting the North and South Blocks into a national museum was accompanied by the signing of an agreement between the National Museum and the French Museum Development Authority. This collaboration aims to create a world-class cultural institution that will serve as a bridge between India’s glorious past, its vibrant present, and its vision for the future. The ‘Yuga Yugin Bharat Sangrahalaya’ is envisioned as more than just a museum; it will be a space that captures India’s civilisational depth, heritage, and the progress the country continues to make in the modern era. Visitors will not only witness the treasures of the past but also gain an understanding of India’s aspirations for generations ahead.
During the inauguration of several new administrative buildings, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew attention to the fact that India’s governance system had been operating for decades within colonial-era structures. These structures, despite their historical significance, have long struggled with serious inadequacies such as insufficient space, lack of natural light, and poor ventilation. Modi highlighted that many crucial ministries have been functioning under such restrictive conditions, which not only posed challenges for administration but also symbolised the lingering presence of a colonial framework in a sovereign nation.
Reports suggest that the new PMO, once it is fully functional, may be given a new name that resonates more deeply with the values of democracy and public service. Prime Minister Modi himself reinforced this sentiment after beginning his third consecutive term in office, stating that the Prime Minister’s Office must not be seen as belonging to one individual but to the people of the country. Emphasising humility and inclusivity, he asserted that the PMO should always reflect the spirit of service and remain accessible to every citizen.
The New Executive Enclave has been designed to be much more than just an office space for the Prime Minister. In addition to housing the PMO, it will accommodate the Cabinet Secretariat, the National Security Council Secretariat, and a modern Conference Hall. This state-of-the-art facility will be equipped with advanced infrastructure and resources that the old buildings lacked, ensuring that governance processes are conducted with greater efficiency, coordination, and technological support.
By moving forward with this shift, the government has underlined that the step is not merely about relocating offices but about redefining India’s administrative structure in line with its vision of progress. The move signifies an effort to modernise the country’s governance framework while at the same time honouring India’s cultural and historical roots through the transformation of heritage buildings into the ‘Yuga Yugin Bharat Sangrahalaya’. In essence, it represents the merging of modern administrative efficiency with the timeless identity of India’s civilisation, offering both functionality for the present and inspiration for the future.
