JAMMU, Oct 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday announced the official schedule for the upcoming Darbar Move, marking the seasonal transition of administrative offices from Srinagar to Jammu. As per the order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), offices observing a five-day work week will close in Srinagar on October 31 after office hours, while those following a six-day schedule will close on November 1. All Darbar Move offices are scheduled to reopen in Jammu on November 3, signifying the start of the Union Territory’s winter administrative cycle.
The annual Darbar Move is a longstanding administrative tradition in Jammu and Kashmir, dating back to the reign of Maharaja Ranbir Singh in the 19th century. The practice involves the bi-annual shifting of the government’s seat between Srinagar and Jammu with Srinagar serving as the summer capital and Jammu as the winter capital to ensure administrative access and representation for both regions.
According to the GAD order, the offices moving “in camp” will be permitted to carry only 33 percent of their total staff strength or 10 officials, whichever is fewer, as part of the government’s strategy to optimize logistics and operational efficiency. This measure is intended to ensure smooth functioning while keeping the move manageable in terms of resources and infrastructure.
In continuation of established norms, Special Move Travel Allowance (TA) will be paid at a uniform rate of ₹25,000 per employee participating in the move. Additionally, the government has directed that salaries for the month of October for all employees working in the Darbar Move offices be drawn on October 31, prior to the closure of offices in Srinagar.
The order further states that the Winter Secretariat will be established at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, to ensure continuity of essential public services and administrative coordination for residents of the Kashmir Valley during the winter months. This setup allows certain departments to function on a rotational or limited basis even after the main offices shift to Jammu, thereby maintaining accessibility and governance continuity.
The move signifies not only the logistical transfer of government machinery but also a symbolic reaffirmation of Jammu and Kashmir’s dual-capital governance model. Over the years, the Darbar Move has been viewed as both a unifying administrative exercise and a subject of debate regarding its cost and logistical challenges. While critics have often questioned the expenditure and disruption caused by the practice, supporters emphasize its historical and political importance in maintaining parity and inclusivity between the two regions.
This year’s move, coming after the recent announcement by the Chief Minister to revive the full-fledged Darbar Move system, marks a return to the region’s long-standing administrative rhythm that had been paused for over four years. Government officials have assured that all necessary arrangements including transportation, accommodation, and security measures are being made to ensure a smooth transition.
As the offices prepare to reopen in Jammu on November 3.