In a significant move to rebrand the governor's official residences as more accessible public institutions, Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat on Tuesday issued immediate orders to rename all Raj Bhavans in the state as Lok Bhavans. This directive came just a day after the Union Home Ministry advised all states and Union Territories across India to adopt the new terminology.
A Prompt Response to Central Advisory
The governor's swift action followed shortly after he was shown a news report highlighting that the Nagpur Raj Bhavan had not yet implemented the name change suggested by the central government. Governor's Public Relations Officer Umesh Kashikar confirmed that Acharya Devvrat "immediately issued orders to change the names of all Raj Bhavans to Maharashtra Lok Bhavan." This underscores the state's prompt adherence to the central directive.
Vision for a People-Friendly Institution
Officials within the Nagpur Raj Bhavan revealed that the governor described this renaming exercise as a "visionary" step. The core objective is to transform the perception and function of these institutions, making them "more people-friendly, transparent, and committed to public welfare." The move is seen as symbolic of a shift from a colonial-era 'Raj' (rule) mindset to a democratic 'Lok' (people) oriented approach.
Formal Instructions for a Broader Role
Formal instructions have been dispatched to all Raj Bhavans located in Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, and Mahabaleshwar. In these orders, Governor Devvrat outlined an expansive vision for the newly christened Lok Bhavans. He stated that they must evolve into "a dynamic centre of dialogue and engagement" with a wide cross-section of society.
The governor emphasized that these institutions should actively connect with citizens, various social groups, students, researchers, farmers, and civil society organizations from across Maharashtra. He explicitly noted that the institution should not remain solely confined to a governor's residence and office alone, but must open its doors and ethos to the public it serves.
This renaming initiative marks a conscious effort to redefine the relationship between the state's highest constitutional office and the common people, aiming to foster greater accessibility and continuous civic engagement.
