Central government’s open office design draws backlash ahead of Kartavya Bhavan inauguration

Officials in central government departments have raised concerns over the open office concept adopted in the newly constructed Kartavya Bhawan‑3, the first of the Common Central Secretariat buildings along Kartavya Path.

Critics from section officers to under‑secretary-level staff warn that the lack of enclosed chambers compromises confidentiality and hampers focused work.

In a formal letter addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office and the urban affairs ministry, Central Secretariat Service (CSS) officers highlighted that open‑plan seating for under‑secretaries and section officers makes discreet handling of sensitive matters nearly impossible.

They argue it stands in direct conflict with ministry guidelines that assign enclosed offices for Group A officials entrusted with vigilance, procurement, and legal documentation duties.

The officers further noted that shared and cramped workspaces without visitor seating or partitioned zones adversely affect concentration and critical thinking.

They requested reinstatement of closed chambers for roles handling classified or sensitive files, echoing concerns that physical design is now undermining PM Narendra Modi’s stated goal of modern and adequate working environments.

The open layout is part of the government’s broader Central Vista redevelopment initiative, intended to house multiple ministries under one roof with enhanced infrastructure and energy efficiency.

Kartavya Bhawan‑3, inaugurated recently, features green building design, integrated surveillance, solar panels, and smart-access systems spanning over 1.5 lakh sq m.

However, some counterparts in PM‑appointed ministries such as Home Affairs and External Affairs continue to use enclosed rooms and have been given individual chambers—a discrepancy CSS officers say reveals uneven spatial allocation.

They criticized the apparent divide between their treatment and that of officers from other services, calling it “arbitrary and demoralising.”

Design experts say the open office model may reduce costs and promote collaboration, but studies show it often leads to noise, poor acoustics, distractions and reduced productivity.

Research indicates open plans can decrease employee satisfaction and impair confidential discussions.

So far, neither the Personnel Ministry nor PMO has issued a public response. The matter remains unresolved ahead of further ministry relocations, including the Finance Ministry, Defense Ministry and PMO from historic North and South Blocks into new Kartavya Bhawans.

Observers say the design controversy may reflect deeper tensions over institutional hierarchy and bureaucratic norms.