Delhi's Power Play: New Secretariat to Centralize Governance

The Delhi government is currently assessing four potential sites for developing a new integrated secretariat complex, according to Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma. The shortlisted locations include the defunct Rajghat thermal power plant, Khyber Pass in Civil Lines, the ITO MSO building, and Indraprastha Estate near the new WHO headquarters.

Among these, the Rajghat site—spanning approximately 18 acres—is emerging as a strong contender, with 70% of the land under Delhi government ownership and the remainder held by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Minister Verma suggested the project could be developed as a high-rise structure under a public-private partnership (PPP) model to help recover construction costs.

Currently, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Cabinet Ministers, and top officials operate from the Players' Building—originally built as a hotel for the 1982 Asian Games. However, numerous senior officials, including commissioners from departments such as Revenue, Labour, GST, Education, Transport, Excise, and Food & Civil Supplies, continue to work from scattered locations across the city.

Last week, CM Gupta emphasized the urgent need for a modern, centralized secretariat to streamline governance and improve working conditions. The government is expected to finalize a site soon, aiming to bring all administrative departments under one roof for greater efficiency.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.