PMO Relocates from Historic South Block to New Seva Teerth Building
In a significant administrative transition, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) will move out of the iconic South Block on Friday afternoon, shifting to the newly constructed Seva Teerth building. This marks the end of over five decades of major government decisions emanating from the British-era structure on Raisina Hill.
Final Cabinet Meeting in South Block
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the last Cabinet meeting in South Block on Friday before the inauguration of the new administrative complex. Seva Teerth is located less than a kilometre from the historic South Block, symbolizing a modern shift in India's governance infrastructure.
After the Cabinet meeting, Union ministers and senior bureaucrats will proceed from South Block to Seva Teerth. The new building will house not only the PMO but also the cabinet secretariat, the office of the National Security Advisor (NSA), and India House, which is designated as the new venue for hosting high-level international delegations.
Historical Significance of South Block
South Block, along with North Block, was constructed in 1931 during the British colonial era. It has been a cornerstone of India's administrative machinery since independence. The first Cabinet meeting under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was held in South Block, embedding it deeply in the nation's political history.
The evolution of the PMO traces back to a small Prime Minister's Secretariat (PMS) established in 1947. A major structural change occurred in 1964 after Lal Bahadur Shastri became Prime Minister, when the PMS gained statutory status through the Allocation of Business Rules. The authority and scope of the office expanded significantly during Indira Gandhi's tenure. In 1977, under Prime Minister Morarji Desai, it was officially renamed the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), solidifying its role in governance.
Ongoing Administrative Moves
This relocation is part of a broader administrative reshuffle. Over the next few weeks, the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs will also vacate South Block. They are scheduled to move to multiple offices as part of the government's plan to modernize and streamline administrative operations.
The shift to Seva Teerth represents a new chapter in India's administrative narrative, blending historical legacy with contemporary needs. It underscores the government's commitment to enhancing efficiency and infrastructure in governance, while honoring the rich heritage of South Block as a symbol of India's democratic journey.
