🚨 New Delhi’s swanky Kartavya Bhavan-3 was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on August 6, 2025, as part of the ambitious Central Vista project. Aimed at housing key ministries like Home Affairs, External Affairs, and more under one roof, this modern complex promises efficiency, sustainability, and collaboration. But not everyone’s thrilled! 😬
The Central Secretariat Service (CSS) Forum, representing 13,000 officers, has raised a red flag 🚩 in a letter to the PMO. Why? The open office layout is causing a stir! Officers claim the lack of private cabins and low-height partitions (think almirahs!) is a recipe for disaster:
🔍 Confidentiality at Risk: Under Secretaries handling sensitive files (classified docs, court cases, vigilance issues) say their discussions can be overheard, compromising national security and discretion. 🕵️♂️
📉 Efficiency Hit: The cramped, undivided spaces disrupt focus and “critical thinking,” with Assistant Section Officers (ASOs) lacking dedicated storage for files and stationery. 📂
😞 Morale Dip: Officers feel “demoralized” by the lack of private workspaces, arguing it undermines the hierarchy and prestige they’re used to. No more “cautious knocks on cabin doors”! 🚪
The Numbers:
- Kartavya Bhavan-3 spans 1.5 lakh sqm with 2 basements, 7 floors, and parking for 600 cars. 🚗
- Features: 24 conference rooms (45 seats each), 26 smaller rooms (25 seats), 67 meeting rooms, and 27 lifts. 🏢
- Sustainability: 30% energy savings, 5.34 lakh units of solar power annually, and a GRIHA-4 rating. 🌱
- MoHUA norms ignored? Officers say they’re allotted less space than mandated (e.g., Under Secretaries need 120 sq.ft., but get open desks). 📏
The Other Side:
The government touts Kartavya Bhavan as a step toward Viksit Bharat, replacing outdated colonial-era offices like North Block. It’s designed for flexibility, collaboration, and cost-saving (₹1,500 crore saved on rent!). But officers argue that transparency shouldn’t come at the cost of confidentiality, especially for sensitive ministries like Home Affairs. 🏛️
What’s Next?:
The CSS Forum demands a review of seating arrangements and closed chambers for Group A officers. Meanwhile, netizens on X are divided—some call it bureaucratic entitlement, others see valid concerns. One user quipped, “Either Kartavya Bhavan or Kaziranga National Park—make your choice!” 😅
💭 What do you think? Is the open office vibe a bold move for modern governance, or a privacy nightmare for India’s babus? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
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