Govt finalises space plan for secretariat towers in Amaravati

Vijayawada: In a major administrative move to streamline governance in the capital region, the state govt has finalized a comprehensive space allocation plan for ministers, senior officials, and departments in the upcoming secretariat towers at Amaravati. Unlike the existing secretariat complex, the new towers will consolidate all offices of heads of departments (HoDs), including secretaries, commissioners, and directors. No state-level office will be located outside the capital city and the secretariat towers.The plan defines office spaces for every category of functionary to ensure smooth coordination and efficient functioning of govt machinery. Designs were finalized after several rounds of discussions by the Group of Ministers (GoM) with senior officials, including the chief secretary, special chief secretaries, principal secretaries, secretaries, and HoDs. The final allocation blueprint will be ready by the time the new secretariat structure is completed.According to the blueprint, each minister will be allotted about 3,500 square feet, including a main chamber, meeting room, and staff areas. Senior officials such as principal secretaries and secretaries will get 2,000 square feet, while special officers will have 1,000 square feet. Supporting staff and key functionaries will also have designated workspaces.Office chambers for Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) and personal secretaries will be about 250 square feet, while personal assistants and clerical staff will have around 120 square feet each. Dedicated areas are earmarked for drivers, record rooms, and other administrative support sections.The plan also emphasizes media access and communication. Press interaction rooms and media workspaces will each have 300 square feet. A dedicated conference hall for media briefings, seating 75, will cover 1,500 square feet, while a larger hall for 125 persons will span 3,125 square feet. A major conference hall with seating for 200 will occupy 6,000 square feet.Departmental heads in HoD towers will have 3,500 square feet each, while departmental wings will be allotted 1,200 square feet. Smaller units such as receptions, record sections, and waiting halls will range between 60 and 350 square feet, depending on operational needs.Officials said the structured allocation is designed to create an organized administrative ecosystem in Amaravati, enabling ministers, officials, and departments to function more efficiently while ensuring better coordination across govt.