The bi-annual Darbar Move, a long-standing tradition in Jammu and Kashmir that was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, is unlikely to occur this winter. The practice involved shifting the government from Srinagar to Jammu during winter months—from October to May.
Since the halt, employees based in Jammu have worked from there year-round, with the same applying to those based in Srinagar. Senior officials continue to rotate between the two cities as needed to ensure services are available at all times.
The Darbar Move began during the Dogra rulers’ time in Jammu and Kashmir. The Maharaja and his cabinet would travel to Srinagar to escape the scorching heat of Jammu.
The practice was initiated by the Mughals, who, along with their courtiers, would spend summers in Kashmir to avoid the hot weather in Delhi. The Mughals would reach Kashmir via the mountain route from Rajouri in Jammu to Shopian in south Kashmir, giving the route its name—the Mughal Road.
This route serves as an alternative to the Srinagar-Jammu highway, connecting Kashmir with Jammu.
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Businesses call for the resumption of Darbar Move
The Darbar Move tradition continued after 1947, benefiting Jammu’s economy as hundreds of employees and their families relocated to Jammu for six months.
However, the practice was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The business community in Jammu has repeatedly called for its resumption, citing losses to businesses, including hoteliers and transporters.
An order from the General Administration Department (GAD), stating that only Administrative Secretaries and Union Territory-level Heads of Departments (HoDs) will move from Srinagar to Jammu on November 11, suggests that the Darbar Move is unlikely to restart this winter.
The ruling National Conference (NC) and its alliance partner, Congress, have promised in their election manifestos to reinstate the Darbar Move.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary also voiced concerns, stating that the end of the practice has harmed Jammu’s economy, particularly businesses like traders and hoteliers who benefited from the seasonal government shift.
There had been speculation that the NC government might reconsider the decision.
However, with the first Legislative Assembly session scheduled for November 4 in Srinagar, it appears that the Darbar Move will not resume soon. Typically, if the session were to be held in November, it would take place in Jammu. The choice of Srinagar as the location for this session suggests that government offices will remain there for now.
The GAD order issued by Commissioner/Secretary Sanjeev Verma clarifies that, for now, only senior officials will shift to Jammu, and they will attend the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar when necessary. The order also directed the Estates Department to arrange accommodation for officers and staff based on the requirements of their respective departments.
