New Delhi: In a symbolic and strategic move, the Cabinet Secretariat is expected to relocate from its iconic South Block office to its new premises during the auspicious festival of Navratri, beginning September 22. This relocation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing Central Vista redevelopment project, which is redefining the administrative core of India’s governance.
From Colonial Legacy to Modern Governance
According to senior government officials, both South Block and North Block, long-standing symbols of India’s bureaucratic and colonial-era architecture, will gradually be converted into museums after the shift is complete.
This change is part of a broader vision to preserve historical architecture while transitioning key government operations to state-of-the-art buildings equipped with modern facilities and security infrastructure.
Executive Enclave Nearing Completion
The new Executive Enclave, currently under final phases of construction, will house the offices of the:
- Prime Minister of India
- Cabinet Secretariat
- National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)
Spread across three new buildings, this enclave forms a vital pillar of the Central Vista revamp, which aims to streamline government functioning and improve administrative coordination.
Finance Ministry to Move Next
In addition to the Cabinet Secretariat, the Finance Ministry, including key departments such as the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), is also slated to shift from North Block to the new Central Vista offices around September 25.
The transition is expected to enhance inter-departmental synergy while also relieving operational pressure from the older colonial-era structures.
Navratri Marks an Auspicious Beginning
The timing of the move during Navratri, considered one of the most auspicious festivals in the Hindu calendar, underscores the cultural significance the government has attached to this transition. Officials have said the festival’s spiritual connotations of renewal and fresh beginnings align well with the move from legacy to modernity.
Historic Shift with Cultural Preservation
While the move represents a modernization of India’s administrative infrastructure, the government has also prioritized heritage conservation. Plans are already underway to convert South Block and North Block into museums that will offer the public a glimpse into the historical evolution of Indian governance, architecture, and policymaking.
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