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West Bengal Governor CV Anand Bose on Saturday renamed the historic Raj Bhavan in Kolkata as Lok Bhavan, after the state government accepted the Centre’s directive to replace colonial-era titles with more people-centric nomenclature. The change aligns with a nationwide move to rename “Raj Bhavan” and “Raj Niwas” as “Lok Bhavan” and “Lok Niwas”.
Announcing the decision at a press conference, Governor Bose said the shift marks a symbolic transition from a legacy of elitism to an ethos rooted in public service, accessibility, and democratic values.
“Today is the day the nomenclature of Raj Bhavan changes to Lok Bhavan. This has been the decision of the Government of India,” he said. “As we know, two years ago, President Droupadi Murmu declared the direction and handed over the key symbolically to mark the beginning of a Jan Raj Bhavan. This is intended to make the Governor’s residence responsive to people’s concerns. Now, this concept has been accepted as a relevant model across India.”
Under the new mandate, all official references, including signage, communication materials, and administrative documents, will adopt the updated name. The renaming is meant to bridge the perceived gap between constitutional authority and the public, projecting the Governor’s House as an institution more open and responsive to citizens.
“Governor’s House should be more accessible to people. It is not a change of name but a change of spirit,” Bose said. “It is more active participation of the Lok Bhavan in caring for people. This marks a new chapter: the Governor will be going to the field, speaking to people, understanding their problems directly, and finding solutions. I dedicate this to the new generation of this country. This change reflects the transition India is undergoing.”
The move is being positioned as a significant step in redefining the public image of the Governor’s establishment in West Bengal, reinforcing the principle that constitutional institutions exist to serve the people.
