Centre Spent ₹1,500 Crore on Ministry Rent, Not Anymore: PM Modi at Kartavya Bhavan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, marking a pivotal moment in the government’s Central Vista redevelopment plan. In a strong statement on administrative reform, PM Modi revealed that the Centre had been spending ₹1,500 crore annually on rent for ministry offices scattered across Delhi, a practice that will now end with the new infrastructure. “Many ministries of the Indian government are being run from 50 different locations in Delhi. Most of these are in rented buildings, with an annual rent cost of ₹1,500 crore,” said PM Modi.
Highlighting inefficiencies in the decades-old setup, the PM criticised the continued use of British-era buildings that lacked adequate lighting, space, and ventilation. “Can you imagine an important ministry like Home Affairs operating out of a building for nearly 100 years with insufficient resources?” he asked.
PM Modi called the newly inaugurated building the “seed of Viksit Bharat”, stating that this is not just a structure but a symbol of a more efficient, future-ready government. Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, he said the focus must remain on “kartavya” (duty) rather than the results.
Unified Governance Under One Roof
The first completed structure — Kartavya Bhavan-03 — will house multiple key ministries:
- Home Affairs
- External Affairs
- Rural Development
- MSME
- DoPT
- Petroleum & Natural Gas
- Principal Scientific Adviser’s Office
Currently, many of these operate from ageing buildings like Shastri Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, and Nirman Bhawan, constructed in the 1950s to 1970s — now deemed “structurally outdated and inefficient.”
Accompanied by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Secretary Katikithala Srinivas, PM Modi toured the new facility, which is part of a 10-building plan under the Common Central Secretariat (CCS).
Key Features of Kartavya Bhavan-03
- Plinth Area: 1.5 lakh sq m
- Basement: 40,000 sq m
- Parking: 600 cars
- Conference Rooms: 24 large rooms (45-seater), 26 small rooms (25-seater), 67 meeting rooms, 27 lifts
- Amenities: Creche, yoga room, medical room, kitchen, café, and multipurpose hall
What’s Next in Central Vista
Two more CCS buildings (1 and 2) are expected by next month. CCS-10 will be ready by April 2026, and CCS buildings 6 and 7 are scheduled for completion by October 2026. Temporary relocation of ministries will take place to Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Minto Road, and Netaji Palace for two years during construction.
Certain newer government structures like the National Museum, National Archives, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, Dr Ambedkar Auditorium, and Vanijya Bhawan will be retained.
Beyond Kartavya Bhavan
This inauguration is a major milestone in the broader Central Vista Redevelopment Project, which has already delivered a new Parliament building, Vice President’s Enclave, and the revamped Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk to India Gate.
Future phases include the construction of the Executive Enclave, housing a new PMO, Cabinet Secretariat, India House, National Security Council Secretariat, and a new Prime Minister’s residence.
As the government centralises administrative functions, Kartavya Bhavan represents a shift from colonial relics to a modern, purpose-built governance hub, embodying the aspirations of a Viksit Bharat.
