Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2 in New Delhi, describing the occasion as a historic step in India’s development journey. Addressing the gathering during the inaugural event, the Prime Minister said, “Today, we are witnessing history in the making. This day of 13th February marks a new beginning in India’s development journey. We are entering Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan with the resolve to achieve ‘Viksit Bharat’. We have the divine blessings to accomplish our goals.” 

With the inauguration, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has formally shifted to the newly constructed Seva Teerth complex, ending nearly 80 years of operations from South Block at Raisina Hill. The move marks the first time since Independence in 1947 that the PMO has relocated from South Block, part of the British-era Secretariat complex designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. 

Seva Teerth is not just a name, it is a resolve: Modi 

Modi said the inauguration reflects both the aspirations of the people and the government’s commitment to building a developed India. “Seva Teerth is not just a name, it is a resolve,” he said in his first address from the new premises. Invoking Vijaya Ekadashi, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the country would achieve success in its goals. Modi said, "You all will play key role as India has boarded 'Reform Express', is re-writing international ties with new trade deals."

Recalling the history of North and South Block, Modi said the British shifted the capital from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911 and constructed the buildings on Raisina Hill at an elevated level. After Independence, several key national decisions and policies were shaped from these offices. He also said that North and South Block would be converted into a dedicated museum for the people of India, highlighting the need to move beyond symbols of colonial rule. 

New buildings are expected to enhance efficiency, save time, and costs 

The government said the new buildings are expected to enhance efficiency, save time and costs, and strengthen coordination across departments. Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2 feature digitally integrated offices, structured public interface zones and centralised reception facilities. 

According to the PMO, the buildings have been constructed in line with 4-Star GRIHA standards and incorporate renewable energy systems, water conservation measures, waste management solutions and high-performance building envelopes. 

A glance at Seva Teerth complex  

The Seva Teerth complex comprises three structures. Seva Teerth-1 houses the PMO with modern workspaces and ceremonial meeting halls. Seva Teerth-2 will accommodate the Cabinet Secretariat, while Seva Teerth-3 will host the National Security Council Secretariat and the Office of the National Security Advisor. 

The inauguration marks a significant milestone in India’s administrative governance framework and underscores the government’s push towards a modern, accessible and citizen-centric governance ecosystem aligned with the vision of “Viksit Bharat.”