Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has stepped up preparations for the annual Darbar Move, with the Civil Secretariat in Jammu scheduled to reopen on November 2 and the convoy carrying employees and official equipment set to depart from Srinagar on October 31 and November 1.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar to review arrangements for the Darbar Move for the 2026-27 winter session. He directed all concerned departments to ensure a smooth, secure and well-coordinated transition of government offices from Srinagar to Jammu, with adequate facilities for employees.
The Chief Minister directed the Managing Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) and the Traffic Department to ensure sufficient buses and facilitate the safe and efficient movement of employees and official equipment over the two days.
Security arrangements, traffic management along the national highway, residential accommodation for employees and the provision of essential services were among the key issues reviewed during the meeting.
Omar directed the police and other concerned agencies to put in place comprehensive security measures, particularly in residential areas where employees shifting to Jammu would be staying.
The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, was asked to review traffic management within the city, especially around major residential areas, and identify suitable locations along the convoy route for food and public convenience facilities, including washrooms, for employees and officials undertaking the journey.
The arrangements also include the deployment of special teams of doctors and paramedical staff along the convoy route to provide medical assistance and ensure access to healthcare facilities during the journey.
The Chief Minister directed that special casual leave be granted to Kashmir-based employees moving to Jammu in connection with the Darbar Move. The measure is intended to facilitate their participation in the annual transfer of government offices.
The Darbar Move is a long-standing administrative practice under which the seat of government shifts between Srinagar and Jammu according to the season. The government functions from Jammu during the winter months and returns to Srinagar in the summer.
Under the arrangement, the Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, administrative secretaries and officials of various departments will shift their principal winter operations to Jammu, with the winter secretariat continuing to function in Srinagar with a reduced staff presence.
Omar Abdullah also reviewed arrangements for the functioning of the Winter Secretariat in Srinagar during the winter months.
He directed the General Administration Department (GAD) to issue monthly rosters from November onwards for ministers and administrative secretaries who will remain stationed in Srinagar to ensure the continued functioning of the government and the disposal of public grievances.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for close coordination among departments to ensure that administrative work continues without disruption during the transition.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, the Additional Chief Secretary and other senior officers from various departments.
Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department, M. Raju, made a detailed presentation on transport and logistical arrangements for the Darbar Move convoy. Officers from Jammu participated in the meeting through video conferencing.
