PMO complex to be renamed as Sewa teerth, Opposition questions priorities

A series of institutional name changes under the Narendra Modi government has drawn attention once again, with the new Prime Minister’s Office complex to be officially named 'Sewa teerth'. The renaming aligns with what the government describes as a larger shift in governance — from satta (power) to seva (service) and from authority to responsibility.

Officials and supporters say the changes reflect a cultural and moral repositioning of public institutions. Raj Bhavans across several states are already being renamed Lok Bhavans, while earlier moves saw Rajpath redesignated as Kartavya Path, and the Prime Minister’s official residence renamed Lok Kalyan Marg in 2016. Each renaming, they argue, is meant to underline the principle that “government exists to serve.”

Alongside the PMO’s new designation as Sewa teerth, the Central Secretariat has been renamed Kartavya Bhavan, a label officials say is intended to reflect the idea of public service as a commitment rather



than a position.

The government’s narrative frames these changes as part of a broader ideological transition in Indian democracy — one that privileges responsibility over power and service over status. A shift in names, it argues, is also a shift in mindset, steering institutions toward the language of seva, kartavya and citizen-first governance.

The Opposition, meanwhile, criticised the government’s focus on renaming exercises. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari, deputy leader of the party in Rajya Sabha, said the Modi government “should get a Guinness World Record for name changes”, adding that altering nomenclature does not substitute for governance.

Tiwari said Parliament sittings had reduced significantly, from over 120 days earlier to around 55 days now, limiting discussion on issues affecting citizens. “Parliament is the temple of democracy. What will changing names achieve when debate, discussion and accountability are shrinking?” he said.