Jammu, Oct 16: In a move that marks a return to Jammu and Kashmir’s administrative heritage, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday announced the revival of the traditional Darbar Move practice, the bi-annual shifting of the government between Jammu and Srinagar. The decision, approved by the Union Territory Cabinet and cleared by the Lieutenant Governor, comes after a gap of more than four years.
Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister said the Cabinet had formally endorsed the proposal for reinstating the century-old system and forwarded it for approval. “The file was sent to the Lieutenant Governor, and I am pleased to inform that it has been approved. The government will soon resume the Darbar Move,” he said.
The move signals a symbolic return to a practice deeply rooted in Jammu and Kashmir’s administrative and cultural tradition. Instituted in 1872 by Maharaja Gulab Singh, the Darbar Move involved shifting the capital to Srinagar during summer and to Jammu during winter, allowing equitable governance and accessibility for people across regions. For over a century, the system served as a unique administrative bridge between the two divisions, ensuring seasonal engagement and continuity of governance in both parts of the erstwhile state.
The practice, however, was discontinued in 2021 during Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s tenure, citing high logistical costs and technological advancements that enabled virtual governance. The suspension of the Darbar Move had stirred debate across political, bureaucratic, and social circles, with supporters arguing for its revival to maintain regional balance and critics calling it an outdated administrative ritual in the age of digitization.
With the latest decision, the government appears to be striking a balance between tradition and modern efficiency. The Chief Minister emphasized that while governance had evolved, symbolism and regional equity continued to hold importance in a diverse Union Territory like Jammu and Kashmir. “This is not merely about shifting offices; it is about strengthening our administrative inclusivity and honoring our shared history,” he said, adding that logistical and digital systems would be upgraded to make the process more efficient and cost-effective.
According to senior officials, the revival plan will include streamlined protocols for departmental transfers, digital record management, and hybrid administrative functioning to minimize disruption. The government is also exploring options to phase the move strategically, ensuring both environmental and economic sustainability.
Political observers view the decision as a significant step in reinforcing regional parity, particularly after the recent political restructuring of Jammu and Kashmir. By reinstating the Darbar Move, the administration is sending a message that the balance of attention between the Jammu and Kashmir divisions remains a core priority.
While some bureaucrats have expressed concerns about the logistical complexities of shifting offices twice a year, others believe that modern digital infrastructure and efficient planning can make the revived system more pragmatic than before.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by employees’ associations, traders, and residents in both regions, who see it as a gesture of inclusivity and cultural revival. For many, the return of the Darbar Move is more than a bureaucratic exercise,it is a reaffirmation of Jammu and Kashmir’s dual identity and its long-standing administrative harmony.
The government is expected to issue a formal notification soon, with the first Darbar Move under the revived system likely to take place early next year, marking a historic moment of continuity and adaptation in Jammu and Kashmir’s governance narrative.