New Delhi: The Union cabinet, in its first meeting at Seva Teerth, the new PMO complex, resolved that every decision taken in the premises will be inspired by the sentiment of ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’ and will be a centre for empowerment of every Indian and not a place for display of power.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also resolved that every effort of governance conducted from Seva Teerth will remain connected to the spirit of simplifying the life of the last person in the country.
According to the resolution, termed ‘Seva Sankalp Resolution’, every decision taken in the new building will be inspired by a spirit of service towards 1.4 billion citizens and will be connected to the broader goal of nation-building.
“The Union cabinet reiterates its resolve that every decision taken in this premises will be inspired by the sentiment of ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’. This place will not be a centre for the display of power, but rather a centre for the empowerment of every Indian,” the resolution read.
“We reaffirm that, in line with our vision, we will further strengthen the governance model that is transparent, aware, and sensitive to the emotions of citizens,” it said.
Reading out the resolution at a cabinet briefing, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that work culture at Seva Teerth will be guided by the spirit of the fundamental ethos of the Constitution, and every decision will be accountable to the aspirations of people.
This meeting and this building are a direct expression of the reconstruction of New India, according to the resolution. “With this auspicious beginning, we welcome that future whose foundation has been laid by centuries of effort,” it said.
After Independence, for so many decades, governments operated from the Prime Minister’s Office in South Block, preserving the legacy and envisioning the future. We envisioned an India whose thought is indigenous, whose form is modern, and whose capability is boundless. Today, Seva Teerth is the embodied manifestation of that very vision, which will enhance India’s pride as the Mother of Democracy,” it said.
Vaishnaw said the cabinet remembered the history of the complex’s location, which was the site of the temporary barracks from the British era. He said that before colonial rule, India was a nation recognised both for its material grandeur and for its human values.
The concept of Seva Teerth is formed from the confluence of both these ideals, he said. “The message of service was re-affirmed and re-emphasised and discussion was held on how to take forward the vision of Prime Minister in converting it into reforms that help improve lives of every citizen and create new opportunities, is seen in this resolution,” the minister said.
