Seva Teerth Inaugurated; Rs 100 Coin Released
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the newly named Seva Teerth complex and Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2 in New Delhi, marking a significant shift in India’s administrative governance framework. The Prime Minister unveiled the name ‘Seva Teerth’ before formally dedicating the complex to the nation and is scheduled to address a public gathering at the site later in the evening.
Launch of Rs 100 Commemorative Coin
To commemorate the inauguration, the Ministry of Finance has issued a Rs 100 special coin. The obverse of the coin features the Lion Capital of the Ashoka Pillar at the centre, with ‘Satyamev Jayate’ inscribed below in Hindi. ‘Bharat’ appears in Devanagari on the left, and ‘India’ in English on the right.
The reverse carries an image of the Seva Teerth building, with its name inscribed in both Hindi and English. The phrase ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’ is engraved in Devanagari and English, alongside a lotus motif, symbolising citizen-centric governance.
Administrative Shift from North and South Blocks
The inauguration signals a major administrative transition. The historic North and South Blocks at Raisina Hill, dating back to the British era, are being vacated. The Prime Minister’s Office, earlier located in South Block, has now shifted to Seva Teerth.
Apart from the PMO, South Block housed the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs, while North Block accommodated the Ministries of Home and Finance. These ministries functioned for decades from ageing and fragmented infrastructure within the Central Vista region.
Integrated Governance Infrastructure
The new complex consolidates key administrative bodies, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Security Council Secretariat and the Cabinet Secretariat, under one roof. Several central ministries have been relocated to Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2, including Finance, Defence, Health, Education, Agriculture, Law and Justice, and Information and Broadcasting.
Important Facts for Exams
- Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar is India’s National Emblem.
- ‘Satyamev Jayate’ is inscribed below the National Emblem in Devanagari.
- GRIHA stands for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment.
- North and South Blocks are part of Raisina Hill’s colonial-era architecture.
Green and Secure Design Standards
Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavans are built to 4-Star GRIHA standards, incorporating renewable energy systems, water conservation measures, and advanced waste management solutions. The complexes feature digitally integrated offices, centralised reception areas, and structured public interface zones to enhance coordination and efficiency.
A comprehensive security framework has been installed, including smart access controls, surveillance systems, and advanced emergency response infrastructure, ensuring a secure and accessible environment for officials and visitors alike.