Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Seva Teerth integrated complex in Delhi, marking a significant transition in the functioning of India’s highest executive offices as the Prime Minister’s Office formally shifted from the historic South Block. The nearly century-old South Block building will now be converted into a museum, preserving its historical legacy.
Addressing the gathering at Seva Teerth, the Prime Minister said the earlier PMO premises held immense historical importance, noting that several landmark decisions that shaped modern India were taken there. He emphasised that while the memories associated with the old building would remain, the relocation was necessary to meet the administrative and technological demands of contemporary governance.
Modi explained that the colonial-era structures, built almost 100 years ago, were no longer suitable for modern administrative requirements. According to him, the buildings faced structural limitations, lacked adequate space, and were unable to support evolving technological needs. He also highlighted the financial burden caused by scattered government offices, stating that the government had been spending more than Rs 1,500 crore annually on rented spaces while thousands of employees had to commute between multiple locations.
The newly inaugurated Seva Teerth complex brings key decision-making institutions — including the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat — under a single roof to streamline coordination and governance. Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2, inaugurated alongside the complex, will house several major ministries such as Finance, Defence, Health and Family Welfare, Corporate Affairs, Education, Culture, Law and Justice, Information and Broadcasting, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilisers, and Tribal Affairs.
Framing the move as both administrative and symbolic, Modi said the colonial-era buildings on Raisina Hills were designed to reflect imperial authority, whereas the new complex represents governance rooted in the aspirations of independent India. He described Seva Teerth as a space connected more closely with citizens and aligned with the vision of a “Viksit Bharat,” where policymaking reflects the needs of the country’s 140 crore people.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister chaired the final Cabinet meeting at South Block, formally concluding official operations at the historic site. Among the first decisions taken from the new PMO were the approval of the RAHAT scheme, expansion of the Lakhpati Didi initiative by doubling its targets, and an increased allocation for the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, signalling a renewed emphasis on welfare measures and rural development as operations begin from the new complex.
