MHA writes to States and UTs to consider renaming Raj Bhavans as Lok Bhavans

A record photograph of Raj Bhavan successful Bengaluru. Image for the intent of practice only. | Photo Credit: Bhagya Prakash

The Union Home Ministry (MHA) wrote to the offices of Governors and Lieutenant Governors of each States and Union Territories connected November 25 that the sanction of “Raj Bhavans” “may be” changed to “Lok Bhavans” arsenic the erstwhile “smacks of colonialism”. In the missive sent to main secretaries and secretaries of Governors and Lieutenant Governors, the MHA said, “In the Conference of Governors, 2024 it was suggested to rename ‘Raj Bhavans’ arsenic ‘Lok Bhavans’ arsenic the connection ‘Raj Bhavans’ smacks of colonialism. Accordingly, it is requested that the offices of Governors and offices of Lt. Governors whitethorn beryllium named arsenic ‘Lok Bhavan’ and ‘Lok Niwas’ respectively for each authoritative purposes.” Following the directive, the West Bengal Governor and the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh changed the names. While the authoritative 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 historical infinitesimal for Ladakh. Today, Raj Niwas has been officially renamed arsenic Lok Niwas, symbolising our heavy committedness to people-centric governance and inclusive development,” Office of the Lt. Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta posted connected societal media level X.

Published - November 30, 2025 10:15 p.m. IST