New Delhi: Several key central government ministries and departments have begun the process of relocating to the newly constructed Kartavya Bhawan, as part of the broader Central Vista redevelopment project. The move is being pushed with urgency, with ministries instructed to complete the transition during the ongoing Navratra period, ahead of the formal inauguration of the complex.
North Block Offices Pack Up for Final Move
Sources confirm that critical departments such as the Ministry of Finance, along with the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), are actively packing up to vacate North Block by September 29. The transition marks a significant milestone in the central government’s plan to modernize its administrative infrastructure.
Reluctance Among Senior Bureaucrats
However, the transition has not been smooth. Several senior officials, especially those nearing superannuation, have reportedly expressed unwillingness to shift to Kartavya Bhawan. Some cite operational inconvenience and lack of clarity on future postings, while others are simply resistant to change in the final years of their service.
CSS Forum Raises Formal Grievances
In a more structured opposition, the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) Forum—which represents a large section of the central secretariat workforce—has raised official objections to the move. The forum has written to P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, outlining critical issues with the new infrastructure.
Their key concerns include:
- Substandard seating arrangements for CSS officers.
- Violation of space norms as per previous guidelines.
- Concerns about confidentiality, especially in departments handling sensitive documents and policy matters.
- Operational inefficiency due to poorly planned layouts.
MHA Relocates, But May Move Again
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has already completed its shift to Kartavya Bhawan. However, insiders suggest that MHA may request a second relocation—this time to the Executive Enclave, another part of the Central Vista project that is currently under development. The move could be aimed at positioning key ministries closer to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Cabinet Secretariat.
Kartavya Bhawan: Central Vista’s New Administrative Nucleus
Kartavya Bhawan is designed as a Common Central Secretariat, aimed at housing over 50 ministries and departments in a streamlined and technology-enabled environment. With sustainability features and enhanced digital infrastructure, it represents a shift toward modern governance. However, its execution is now being closely watched amid rising concerns from government staff.
