Bhubaneswar: The Raj Bhavan in Odisha has been renamed ‘Lok Bhavan’, marking a significant shift in the state’s administrative identity. The Raj Bhavans in Bhubaneswar and Puri were officially renamed Lok Bhavans on Monday.
The change follows instruction from the Union Home Ministry, which has directed that Raj Bhavans across the country be renamed Lok Bhavan and Raj Niwas to Lok Niwas (Official Residence of the Lieutenant Governor).
A notification issued by the Odisha Governor’s office stated that Raj Bhavan, Bhubaneswar and Raj Bhavan, Puri are renamed as Lok Bhavan, Bhubaneswar and Lok Bhavan, Puri respectively with effect from Monday (December 1, 2025) for all official purposes.
Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati approved the renaming based on the directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Governor stated that the new name reflects a commitment to building stronger public connection and participation, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said Lok Bhavan symbolizes transparency, accessibility, and a deeper relationship between the administration and the people.
This initiative aligns with the broader vision of empowering citizens, strengthening governance systems, and ensuring inclusive growth. Lok Bhavan will continue to serve as an important platform for public engagement and consultation, now with a renewed focus on openness and accessibility for all, he said.
With this change, Odisha takes a significant step toward moving away from colonial names and embracing a people-focused approach to governance.
