PMO Shifts to ‘Sewa Teerth’ After 78 Years – Why Is South Block Being Vacated?

In a historic administrative transition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shifted the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) from the iconic South Block to the newly constructed Sewa Teerth complex on Raisina Hill. The relocation marks the end of the PMO’s 78-year presence at South Block, where it had functioned since Independence. The move is part of a broader effort to modernise India’s governance infrastructure and move away from colonial-era administrative spaces.

Why the PMO Is Moving to Sewa Teerth

The relocation of the PMO to Sewa Teerth is aimed at consolidating key administrative offices into a digitally integrated, modern complex.

The new campus will house,

• Prime Minister’s Office
• Cabinet Secretariat
• National Security Council Secretariat

Earlier, these offices operated from different locations. Bringing them together is expected to improve coordination, efficiency, and security.

The Prime Minister chaired the final Cabinet meeting at South Block before the shift, symbolically closing a historic chapter.

What Happens to South Block and North Block?

• The colonial-era South Block and North Block, which served as India’s administrative nerve centre since 1921, will no longer function as power hubs.
• The government plans to convert these buildings into the ‘Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum’, showcasing India’s civilisational journey.
• The repurposing aligns with efforts under the Central Vista redevelopment to reimagine national institutions while preserving heritage structures.

Where Is the New PMO Located?

The PMO will operate from Sewa Teerth-1, located in the Executive Enclave-I zone near Vayu Bhawan.

The complex consists of three interconnected buildings:,

• Sewa Teerth-1 – PMO
• Sewa Teerth-2 – Cabinet Secretariat
• Sewa Teerth-3 – National Security Council Secretariat and NSA’s office

The enclave will also feature India House, a venue for hosting high-level international delegations.

Key Features of the Sewa Teerth Complex

The new Sewa Teerth complex has been designed as a modern, sustainable workspace.

Major features include,

• Smart access control and surveillance systems
• Digitally integrated infrastructure
• Centralized public interface zones
• Conference halls and reception areas
• Renewable energy systems
• Water conservation and waste management facilities

The complex is built to 4-Star GRIHA environmental standards, focusing on sustainability and reduced environmental impact.

A Brief History of the PMO

The PMO’s journey reflects the evolution of India’s administrative structure,

• 1947 – Started as the Prime Minister’s Secretariat
• 1964 – Given formal status during Lal Bahadur Shastri’s tenure
• Expanded authority under Indira Gandhi
• 1977 – Renamed Prime Minister’s Office during Morarji Desai’s government

South Block itself was completed in 1931 during British rule and housed India’s first Cabinet meeting after Independence under Jawaharlal Nehru.

Symbolism Behind the Move

• Union Minister Jitendra Singh described the relocation as a symbolic step away from colonial legacy.
• Notably, February 13, 1931, was the day British authorities declared New Delhi as the capital of colonial India.
• The relocation on the same date reflects what the government describes as a transition toward a self-reliant and modern administrative identity.

Why This Move Matters

The shift of the PMO to Sewa Teerth represents,

• Administrative consolidation
• Modern digital governance
• Enhanced inter-departmental coordination
• Sustainability-focused infrastructure
• Symbolic departure from colonial layouts

Question

Q. The PMO was shifted from which historic building in 2026?

A. Rashtrapati Bhavan
B. North Block
C. South Block
D. Vayu Bhawan