In a symbolic move towards public accessibility, the official residences of the Jharkhand Governor in Ranchi and Dumka have been formally renamed from Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan. The announcement was made by the office of Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Wednesday, following a directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
A Directive for a People-Centric Name
The formal notification for the name change was issued this week, acting on instructions received from the central government's home ministry last week. The renaming ceremony coincided with a function held at the Ranchi Lok Bhavan to mark the statehood days of Assam and Nagaland.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar emphasized his commitment to making the institution more approachable. "Since assuming office here, I have always tried to turn Raj Bhavan accessible to people," he stated. He added that with the new name, Lok Bhavan, the administration would redouble efforts to ensure the people of Jharkhand feel welcome to bring their grievances and concerns to its doors.
The Architectural Heritage of Ranchi's Lok Bhavan
The primary Lok Bhavan, situated in the heart of Ranchi, is an iconic structure with a rich history. Designed by architect Sadlow Ballerd, its construction began in 1930 and was completed in March 1931 at an estimated cost of seven lakh rupees.
While the building exhibits a predominant British architectural style, it was intelligently adapted for the local climate. Key features include a roof with double-layered Raniganj tiles for heat insulation and interiors lined with teak wood across the floors, lounge, and the grand Durbar Hall.
The sprawling campus covers a vast 62-acre area adorned with lush green lawns and tall trees. The main building occupies 52 acres, while the annex, known as Audrey House, spans the remaining 10 acres.
Political Reactions and the Road Ahead
The renaming, however, did not go without political commentary. The Congress party, which is part of the ruling alliance in the state, took a dig at the decision. Party spokesperson Rakesh Sinha remarked, "Now that Raj Bhavan is called Lok Bhavan, the governor should also be elected by the people." He further criticized the central government's focus on renaming exercises over substantive progress during the last eleven years.
The transformation from Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan marks a significant semantic shift, underscoring an intent to foster a more people-friendly image for the governor's institution. The administration's future actions will be closely watched to see how this change in name translates into tangible, enhanced public engagement and accessibility for the citizens of Jharkhand.
