In a significant symbolic move, the official residence and office of Delhi's Lieutenant Governor has been given a new name. Raj Niwas, the historic seat of power for the L-G, is now officially called 'Lok Niwas'.
Official Notification and Directive
The formal change was enacted through a notification issued by the Lieutenant Governor Secretariat on Wednesday, December 4, 2025. The directive for the renaming came from the Ministry of Home Affairs, in conjunction with the office of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena himself.
The notification clearly stated, "Raj Niwas, Delhi shall henceforth be referred to only as 'Lok Niwas, Delhi'." This change was not limited to official stationery and documents. Reflecting the digital age, the official X (formerly Twitter) handle managed by the LG Secretariat was also promptly updated to 'Lok Niwas Delhi' to align with the new identity.
A Shift in Nomenclature
The renaming from 'Raj Niwas' (which translates to 'Abode of the Rule') to 'Lok Niwas' (meaning 'Abode of the People') marks a deliberate shift in terminology. This development follows closely on the heels of another major naming ceremony in the national capital.
Just a day prior, on Tuesday, the new complex housing the Prime Minister's Office was christened 'Seva Teerth'. That building, part of the ambitious Central Vista Redevelopment project, was previously known as the 'Executive Enclave' during its construction phase, which is now in its final stages.
Symbolism and Context
The consecutive renaming exercises highlight a contemporary trend towards adopting names that emphasize service and connection with the citizenry. While Raj Niwas carried a connotation of authority and governance, Lok Niwas explicitly places the focus on the people. This change is seen by many as an effort to rebrand the institution as more accessible and public-oriented.
The official residence, a landmark in Delhi, has been the epicenter of the capital's administration for decades. Its new name, Lok Niwas, is now set to be used in all future communications, events, and official references pertaining to the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
