A statement that carries the symbolism and political message, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has announced that the official residence of the Chief Minister will now be referred to as ‘Lok Sevak Awas’ after it was formerly known as 1 Anne Marg. The ruling comes as a step to strengthen the notion of public service at the top tier of governance.
The change in name comes just days after former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar moved out of the residence, which he had occupied for almost 19 years. The new government looks forward to gaining an independent identity in governance as well as in the eyes of the people.
The term ‘Lok Sevak’ means ‘public servant’, emphasizing the principle of elected representatives being the servants of the people, officials said. The Chief Minister wants to send a clear message regarding accountability, humility and citizen-centric governance by changing the name of the residence. The change of name, which is more than just a change, is an intention to show the current government what it sets out to do.
According to the sources, the move is also in keeping with other administration-level changes planned for the upcoming days, which also involve an expansion of the cabinet. The announcement will come as a planned action to set the agenda for the new government’s priorities and approach. Political watchers say they have been seen as a big part of the leadership values’ message to the public.
This house at 1 Anne Marg has always played a pivotal role in political decision-making in Bihar for years as a nerve centre. The name change from ‘Ashok Prayas’ to ‘Lok Sevak Awas’ is not the traditional name and is also a new name that gives a people-oriented identity to the seat of power.
Some welcome the move, others have mixed feelings, saying it’s an attempt to make government closer to the people. Such measures can help build trust and hold public officials accountable to the public, supporters say. But critics say it will be judged by how far these ideals are brought to fruition in policy and practice.
It is also a symbolic move, though significant, given the new political phase in Bihar, in the context of the name change of the Chief Minister’s house. So far, ‘Lok Sevak Awas’ is a new focus on service-oriented governance in the state, though that might not necessarily mean the establishment of tangible changes.
