Kartavya Bhawan: PM Modi explains reason behind name of India’s new power corridor | India News

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan, the first building under the ambitious common central secretariat (CCS) project, and explained why it carries a name rooted in India’s democratic values.“We gave the name ‘Kartavya Bhavan’ to this building after a lot of deliberation,” PM Modi said while addressing a gathering at Kartavya Path. “The names Kartavya Path and Kartavya Bhavan represent the basic values of our democracy and Constitution.”From colonial relics to democratic idealsThe Prime Minister said the choice of name marks a clear departure from India’s colonial-era administrative culture. For decades, ministries operated from buildings constructed during British rule, like Shastri Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, and Nirman Bhawan, many of which are now over 70 years old and lack basic amenities.“These buildings lacked space, light, ventilation, and were not built to meet the needs of a modern democratic government,” PM Modi said. “Important ministries like home affairs were functioning from buildings over a century old.”By naming the new power corridor Kartavya Bhavan, Modi said the government is signaling a shift from entitlement to responsibility. “This is not just a name; it’s a message. That governance in India is now driven by the spirit of service and duty, not authority and privilege,” he said.‘Kartavya Bhavans will frame India’s future’The newly inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan-03 will house several key ministries including home, external affairs, rural development, petroleum & natural gas, MSME, and DoPT, along with the principal scientific adviser’s office.“For decades, administrative work continued in buildings made during British rule,” PM Modi said, pointing to poor working conditions, lack of ventilation, and inadequate facilities in places like Shastri Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, and Nirman Bhawan.PM Modi said that during Amrit Kaal, the next 25 years leading to India’s 100th year of independence, policies for a developed India will be framed in these Kartavya Bhavans.Saving taxpayer money, improving efficiencyPM Modi said the new infrastructure will help the government save Rs 1,500 crore annually in rent. “Many ministries are still run from rented buildings. This amount is being spent just to pay rent,” he said.With 1.5 lakh square metres of built-up area and space for 600 cars, the Kartavya Bhavan-03 includes modern amenities such as a crèche, yoga and medical rooms, a café, and over 100 meeting and conference rooms. Two more CCS buildings are set to be completed by next month.More than just a building“The policies for a developed India during Amrit Kaal will be framed in Kartavya Bhavans,” the PM said, calling the new complex a symbol of India’s shift away from its colonial past toward a self-confident future.The Kartavya Bhavan is part of the broader Central Vista redevelopment project, which includes the new Parliament building, the Vice President’s Enclave, and the upcoming Executive Enclave, which will house the new PMO and Cabinet Secretariat.