Jammu, Nov 03: Government offices reopened in Jammu on Monday as the National Conference-led administration restored the biannual ‘Darbar Move’, marking the return of the civil secretariat and other departments from Srinagar for the winter session after a four-year gap.
According to officials, necessary arrangements have been made to ensure smooth functioning, including security deployment, accommodation, and transport facilities for employees shifting from Srinagar. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah traveled by road from Srinagar to Jammu and attended office on Monday, marking the formal start of the winter session under the revived practice.
The ‘Darbar Move’, introduced nearly 150 years ago by the Dogra rulers, was suspended in 2021 by the then Lieutenant Governor administration, citing the adoption of an e-office system and potential savings of around Rs 200 crore annually.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the decision to restore the tradition was part of his government’s commitment made to the people. “We had promised that the Darbar Move would be brought back. Today, it has been restored. I believe this will give a significant boost to Jammu’s economy,” he said while speaking to reporters in Jammu.
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He said the earlier decision to discontinue the practice was taken mainly on financial grounds, ignoring its wider importance. “Not everything should be judged in monetary terms. The Darbar Move held emotional and symbolic value, linking Srinagar and Jammu. Its suspension had affected that connection,” he said.
Omar said that the reception the government received in Jammu reflected the public’s sentiment towards the resumption of the tradition. “You must have seen the response today. People were happy to welcome the offices back. Traders and residents had long demanded that the Darbar Move be revived,” he said.
He added that the move would not only benefit the business community but also strengthen the emotional and cultural ties between the two regions. “Sometimes divisions between Jammu and Srinagar are created for political reasons. We want to bridge that gap,” he said.
Meanwhile, Arun Gupta, President of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, welcomed the decision, saying that Jammu’s business community had been facing difficulties since the Darbar Move was discontinued. “The resumption has brought relief to traders and residents. The business atmosphere in Jammu will now improve,” he said.
Officials said all departments are expected to settle fully in the coming days as part of the winter session schedule. Ahead of the move, the Jammu administration carried out repair work on roads damaged by rains and undertook maintenance of staff quarters and government offices to facilitate the transition.(KNS)
