Has Odisha Governor Approved the Renaming of Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan?
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Synopsis
Odisha's Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has approved the transformation of Raj Bhavan into Lok Bhavan, reflecting the aspirations of the people. This change marks a significant shift towards inclusive governance and transparency, aligning with the directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Will this move inspire other states to follow suit?
Key Takeaways
- Renaming signifies a shift towards inclusive governance.
- Reflects the aspirations of the people in Odisha.
- Aligns with government directives to adopt people-centric terminology.
- Encourages public engagement and transparency in governance.
- Moves away from colonial-era nomenclature.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 1 (NationPress) The Governor of Odisha, Hari Babu Kambhampati, has given his consent for the renaming of Odisha Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor, to Lok Bhavan, as per a notification released by the Governor’s Secretariat on Monday.
According to the notification, “In line with Letter No. 7/10/2025 (Part)-M&G dated 25th November 2025 from the Ministry of Home Affairs (CS Division), Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar and Raj Bhavan in Puri will now be known as Lok Bhavan, Bhubaneswar and Lok Bhavan, Puri respectively, effective from 1st December 2025 for all official activities.”
The change signifies an important transformation in the administrative identity of Odisha. Official representatives confirmed that Governor Kambhampati sanctioned the modification following a guideline issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In a post on his X handle, the Governor expressed, “I am pleased to announce a significant milestone for Odisha as Raj Bhavan is now Lok Bhavan, a name that genuinely embodies the hopes of our citizens. Motivated by the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and with guidance from the Ministry of Home Affairs, this transformation strengthens our pledge towards transparency, accessibility, and enhanced public connection.”
He further highlighted that the new designation signifies a dedication to greater public involvement and inclusive governance.
“This initiative is aligned with the larger aim of empowering citizens, fortifying governance systems, and ensuring inclusive development. Lok Bhavan will continue to act as a vital platform for public interaction and consultation, now with a renewed emphasis on openness and accessibility for all,” added the Governor.
By undertaking this change, Odisha joins several other states in distancing itself from colonial-era terminology and adopting a more people-oriented identity for gubernatorial residences.
The renaming is in response to a recent directive from the Union Home Ministry, which instructed all States and Union Territories to refer to the official residences of Governors as Lok Bhavan and those of Lieutenant Governors as Lok Niwas to eradicate colonial terminology.
Numerous states and Union Territories have either completed or started the renaming process in accordance with this directive.
Point of View
This renaming initiative is a commendable step towards modernizing the political landscape in India. It reflects a growing trend of moving away from colonial legacies and towards a governance model that prioritizes citizen engagement and inclusivity. As more states adopt similar changes, it signals a collective shift in our democratic ethos.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Raj Bhavan renamed to Lok Bhavan?
Raj Bhavan was renamed to Lok Bhavan to better reflect the people's aspirations and to signify a commitment to transparency and inclusive governance.
Who approved the renaming of Raj Bhavan?
The renaming was approved by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati.
When did the name change take effect?
The name change took effect on 1st December 2025.
What prompted the renaming of Raj Bhavan?
The renaming follows a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs encouraging states to adopt a more people-centric nomenclature.
Are other states also renaming their Raj Bhavans?
Yes, several other states and Union Territories are undertaking similar renaming processes to shed colonial-era terminology.
