Centre writes to States to consider renaming Raj Bhavans as Lok Bhavans

The Union Home Ministry (MHA) wrote to the offices of Governors and Lieutenant Governors of all States and Union Territories on November 25 that the name of “Raj Bhavans” “may be” changed to “Lok Bhavans” as the former “smacks of colonialism”.

In the letter sent to principal secretaries and secretaries of Governors and Lieutenant Governors, the MHA said, “In the Conference of Governors, 2024 it was suggested to rename ‘Raj Bhavans’ as ‘Lok Bhavans’ as the word ‘Raj Bhavans’ smacks of colonialism. Accordingly, it is requested that the offices of Governors and offices of Lt. Governors may be named as ‘Lok Bhavan’ and ‘Lok Niwas’ respectively for all official purposes.”

Following the directive, the West Bengal Governor and the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh changed the names.

While the official residence of the Governor of a State is called Raj Bhavan, that of the Lieutenant Governor of a Union Territory is called Raj Niwas.

“A historic moment for Ladakh. Today, Raj Niwas has been officially renamed as Lok Niwas, symbolising our deep commitment to people-centric governance and inclusive development,” Office of the Lt. Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta posted on social media platform X.