Odisha Renames Raj Bhavan as ‘Lok Bhavan’ to Strengthen Public-Centric Governance

Bhubaneswar: In a major move reflecting a shift toward people-centric governance, the Raj Bhavan in Odisha has officially been renamed as ‘Lok Bhavan’. The state government issued a formal notification announcing the change on Monday.

The renaming was approved by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Governor Kambhampati said the new name underscores a commitment to fostering stronger public connection and participation, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that Lok Bhavan symbolizes transparency, accessibility, and a deeper relationship between the administration and the people.

“This initiative aligns with the broader vision of empowering citizens, strengthening governance systems, and ensuring inclusive growth. Lok Bhavan will continue to serve as an important platform for public engagement and consultation, now with a renewed focus on openness and accessibility for all,” the Governor said.

With the renaming, Odisha takes a significant step toward moving away from colonial-era terminology and embracing a more people-focused administrative identity. The transition from Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan marks a milestone rooted in democratic values, public participation, and inclusive governance.