(Image source from: X/@narendramodi)
Today, the most influential location in India changed as Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened Seva Teerth, a new unified complex that will be the home for the Prime Minister's Office. This move, the first of its kind since India gained independence, signifies a transition to a cutting-edge facility that aims to unify essential executive tasks and improve administrative effectiveness. To celebrate this event, which the government described as a "significant turning point in India’s administrative governance structure," the Prime Minister also introduced a commemorative coin worth Rs 100. PM Modi announced the name 'Seva Teerth' at around 2 pm before officially launching Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2, which will host several important ministries. The project represents the Prime Minister’s goal of creating a modern, effective, and citizen-focused governance system, according to officials. Shortly after moving to Seva Teerth, PM Narendra Modi approved significant programs aimed at assisting farmers, women, youth, and disadvantaged individuals. These include:
PM Rahat scheme: Offers cashless healthcare up to Rs 1.5 lakh for those injured in accidents.
Lakhpati didis target doubled: The aim increased to 6 crore by March 2029, after achieving the initial target of 3 crore ahead of time.
Agriculture infrastructure fund: Budget increased from Rs 1 lakh crore to Rs 2 lakh crore to enhance the agricultural value chain.
Startup India fund of funds 2.0: With Rs 10,000 crore allocated to promote deep technology, early-stage businesses, and high-tech manufacturing.
For many years, ministries functioned from old, scattered buildings throughout the Central Vista, which caused coordination issues, logistical challenges, and high upkeep expenses. The new complexes plan to address these problems by uniting essential administrative bodies in sophisticated facilities built for smooth collaboration. The government believes that this consolidation will accelerate decision-making, lower costs, and improve transparency. Seva Teerth will accommodate three main executive institutions -- the Prime Minister’s Office (Seva Teerth-1), the National Security Council Secretariat (Seva Teerth-2), and the Cabinet Secretariat (Seva Teerth-3) -- that previously worked from different sites. Having them in one place is expected to enhance strategic cooperation at the highest governmental levels.
Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2 will host important 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. This consolidation aims to better coordination between ministries and facilitate public access. The new complexes include digitally connected offices, organized areas for public interaction, and centralized reception areas to boost efficiency and citizen involvement. Advanced digital systems are anticipated to promote e-governance and transparent administration. Designed to meet 4-Star GRIHA standards, these complexes feature renewable energy systems, measures for water conservation, waste management solutions, and energy-efficient designs. According to the PMO, these initiatives lessen environmental impacts while enhancing operational effectiveness.
The facilities come with intelligent access systems, combined monitoring, and sophisticated emergency action systems to provide safety while still being easy to access. Through this move, the government plans to create a new standard in government buildings by bringing important agencies together in a contemporary, unified center that fosters quicker, well-coordinated, and citizen-centered governance. After the area is cleared out, the South and North Blocks, which have housed the Prime Minister's Office, will be turned into a community museum called 'Yuge Yugeen Bharat Sangrahalaya. ' On December 19, 2024, a deal was made with France’s Museum Development Agency for expert help in setting up the new museum.
