West Bengal Governor Dr. CV Anand Bose has announced to change the name of the Governor’s residence located in the capital Kolkata. Till now it was known as ‘Raj Bhawan’, but now its name has been changed to ‘Lok Bhawan’. Bose on Saturday, implementing the instructions of the Central Government, changed the name of Raj Bhavan to ‘Lok Bhawan’. Raj Bhavan, now named Lok Bhavan, serves as the official residence of the Governor and also houses his office.
In an official notification, Bose said that on March 27, 2023, President Draupadi Murmu, on the request of the Governor, handed over the symbolic keys of the then Raj Bhavan to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, marking the beginning of a new era of the people’s Raj Bhavan – Jan Raj Bhavan.
HG renaming Raj Bhavan as LOK BHAVAN pic.twitter.com/POvBPFG26p
— Lok Bhavan, Kolkata, Social Media (@BengalGovernor) November 29, 2025
Raj Bhavan is now known as Lok Bhawan.
The notification said, ‘In pursuance of the letter dated 25.11.2025 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, it is notified that the name of ‘Raj Bhawan’ located at Kolkata, Flagstaff House and ‘Raj Bhawan’ located in Darjeeling has been changed to ‘Lok Bhawan’. This notification is effective with immediate effect.
Governor posted on social media
Sharing a post on social media, Governor Dr. CV Anand Bose said, ‘The concept behind Jan Raj Bhavan was inspired by the aspiration of bringing people closer to the Raj Bhavan. To bring the building to life by giving priority to people’s hopes and dreams, their problems and their expectations. Through this, the historic building was to become not a symbol of fear, but open and humane to all. This was the original objective.
27th March of 2023 year Honorable President Shrimati द्रौपदी मुर्मू, Honorable President द. C. Bh. On the request of Anand Bose, the then Honorable Chief Minister handed over the symbolic key of the Raj Bhavan to Shri Mamata Bandyopadhyay. It is at this historical moment that a new version of the People’s Palace begins.
— Lok Bhavan, Kolkata, Social Media (@BengalGovernor) November 29, 2025
He said, in the last three years, Jan Raj Bhavan has implemented many creative and welfare programs for the public. Its main basis has been to stand with the people in times of need. Whenever there are allegations of violence, natural disaster or atrocities in any corner of the state, Jan Raj Bhavan has reached the doorstep of the public and extended a helping hand.
Names of all the royal palaces and royal residences of the country changed
Bose further said, ‘Under the transformative leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the people of the country are today actively participating on the path of development-oriented nation-building – aimed at building a developed India. In line with this vision, as per the notification of the Ministry of Home Affairs dated 25 November 2025, the names of all Raj Bhavans and Raj Nivas across the country have been changed to Lok Bhavan and Lok Niwas respectively.
‘Lok Bhavan’ will also be written on the official letterhead
He said that from now on, the erstwhile Raj Bhavan of West Bengal and all the buildings under its jurisdiction will henceforth be universally known as “Lok Bhavan”. An official of Governor Bhavan said that on the official letterhead also, ‘Lok Bhavan’ will be written instead of ‘Raj Bhavan’. Besides, the name plates installed at the gate and website will also be changed.
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