Bhubaneswar, Dec. 2 -- The official residence of the Governor in Odisha will now be known as 'Lok Bhavan', following a notification issued on Monday, marking a symbolic shift in the state's administrative identity. Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati approved the renaming in line with a directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

Announcing the change, the Governor said the new name embodies a stronger bond between governance and citizens, responding to the spirit of transparency and public participation envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Lok Bhavan reflects openness, accessibility and partnership between the administration and the people," he stated, adding that the move aims to reinforce citizen empowerment and inclusiv...