Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held his first cabinet meeting at Seva Teerth, his new office complex, marking a significant shift from South Block. The meeting, which began at 11 am, reflects the government’s aim to improve coordination between ministries while easing traffic disruptions caused by frequent VVIP movements.
The final cabinet meeting at South Block on February 13 was marked by the Prime Minister sharing memories and reflecting on the building’s historical importance. He reminded ministers that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, held the first four cabinet meetings at Rashtrapati Bhavan following Independence. He also recounted landmark decisions taken from South Block over the decades and highlighted that strategies for India’s four major wars were formulated in its war room, underlining the premises’ central role in shaping the nation.
Officials said meetings under PM Modi often go beyond reviewing the agenda. Ministers are encouraged to share updates from their departments, provide feedback, and offer suggestions. A defining feature of these meetings is the Prime Minister’s insistence that each minister brings at least one piece of good news. This may include achievements within ministries or personal milestones, meant to inspire colleagues and foster a culture of positivity and motivation.
Ministries such as power, water, roads, health, railways, education, and IT often share notable developments. Sources cited a senior minister who turned around a loss-making government enterprise in just a few months, taking it to a profit of Rs 100 crore. Some ministers also highlight how policy decisions have directly benefited citizens. On a personal note, Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu last year shared the news of becoming a father. These good news items are usually discussed informally after the official agenda, helping create an atmosphere of encouragement and recognition among cabinet members.
The Cabinet Secretariat, previously based in the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex, has now moved to Seva Teerth. The Prime Minister’s official residence is under construction nearby. Once complete, the new complex will include the Parliament House, the Prime Minister’s Office, the residence, and key ministries within a few kilometres, making administration smoother and reducing VVIP-related traffic disruptions.
Today’s inaugural meeting at Seva Teerth reflects PM Modi’s leadership style, combining historical reflection with a forward-looking vision for governance. By encouraging ministers to share achievements and personal milestones, the Prime Minister is fostering a culture of collaboration, recognition, and accountability, ensuring that government decisions remain closely tied to tangible outcomes for citizens.