No Full Darbar Move This Winter: Only Top Officials to Shift to Jammu
No Full Darbar Move This Winter: Only Top Officials to Shift to Jammu
NC, Congress Pledged Restoration of Tradition in Election Manifestos
JAMMU, Oct 24: The General Administration Department (GAD) has announced that the traditional Darbar Move will not be fully reinstated this winter, as only Administrative Secretaries and Union Territory level Heads of Departments (HoDs) will move from Srinagar to Jammu starting November 11. These officials will continue to operate in both cities as required, while the majority of government employees will remain stationed in their respective regions.
The Darbar Move, a 149-year-old practice of shifting the Civil Secretariat between Jammu (winter capital) and Srinagar (summer capital), was suspended in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the ruling National Conference and its alliance partner Congress had promised the restoration of the full Darbar Move in their manifestos, the recent GAD order suggests the tradition will not be fully resumed this year.
The decision has disappointed business communities in Jammu, who rely on the economic boost brought by the bi-annual move. Various groups have voiced their concerns, urging the government to reinstate the practice to support local businesses, especially traders, hoteliers, and service providers.
Despite hopes for a full resumption, the upcoming Legislative Assembly session, scheduled for November 4 in Srinagar, further indicates that a complete shift of the Civil Secretariat may not occur this winter.
