The Central Vista project is ongoing. In this context, Shastri Bhavan is now being demolished, which has been vacated. In place of Shastri Bhavan, a new construction named Datta Bhavan is going to be constructed. Shastri Bhavan in this category has been handed over to CPWD. The 135-year-old Central Secretariat Library is at risk in this entire exercise. At present, the process of shifting the other offices in Shastri Bhavan to another place is going on, but the Central Secretariat Library is yet to find a new place. However, the search for a new location is on. The Central Secretariat Library is the second largest government library in the country.

Let’s know the whole matter in detail. We are aware of the importance of the Central Secretariat Library as well as the efforts made so far to shift it elsewhere.

The Central Secretariat Library was built in 1891, shifted to Delhi in 1911

The Central Secretariat Library was established in 1891. Meanwhile, it was established in Kolkata under the name of Imperial Secretariat Library. As part of the British government’s efforts to move the capital to Delhi, the Central Secretariat Library was shifted to Delhi in 1911, functioning in Shastri Bhavan since 1969.

Over 8.5 lakh books in the Central Secretariat Library, also a government record dating back to 1702

Talking about the importance of Central Secretariat Library, it has more than 8.5 lakh books, spread over 4 floors in 5500 square meters. It also contains rare books, government records and gazetteers dating back to 1702. Government officials and students preparing for competitive exams come here every day.

Offer of two rooms of 300 square meters, rejected

Shastri Bhawan is being demolished under the Central Vista Project. CPWD has asked all ministries to vacate the building by 30 September 2026. The problem is that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the CPWD are yet to find a new location for this library. However, a two-room space of 300 square meters was offered in Dutta Bhavan-II, which was rejected by the library administration as inadequate.