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| Darbar Move Revived: A Legacy Reborn | | | Omkar Dattatray
The revival of the historic Darbar Move by the Jammu and Kashmir government marks a momentous development in the region’s administrative and cultural landscape. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s decision to restore this age-old practice has reignited a long-standing debate over tradition, governance, and economic practicality. The move, which involves the biannual shifting of the civil secretariat and other government offices between the twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu, was a defining feature of Jammu and Kashmir’s administrative heritage for nearly a century and a half. It symbolized not only a functional necessity in the bygone era but also a cultural bridge uniting two diverse regions—each distinct in geography, climate, and sentiment. The Darbar Move, first introduced by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1872, was conceived to ensure equitable administrative access to both the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu plains. In those days, the road connectivity between the two regions was poor, and communication was often hindered by harsh weather conditions. To overcome these limitations, the Maharaja decided that the civil secretariat and key government departments would shift to Jammu during the winter months and return to Srinagar in the summer. Over time, this semi-annual migration evolved into a deep-rooted tradition, representing a symbol of unity, administrative inclusiveness, and cultural integration. Even after 1952, when Jammu and Kashmir was accorded special status, the practice continued as a vital link between the regions—ensuring that governance was not confined to one part of the state but accessible to all.
However, the Darbar Move was abolished in June 2021 by the then Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, citing the advent of modern technology, improved road networks, and the establishment of a robust e-office system. The decision was justified on the grounds of efficiency and economy, as the annual shifting of thousands of employees, records, and logistics incurred huge expenses running into crores of rupees. Despite these arguments, the abolition was met with disappointment and resentment in several quarters, particularly among Jammu’s business community, for whom the Darbar Move had long been a source of livelihood. Hotels, restaurants, transporters, taxi operators, and traders in Jammu relied heavily on the influx of government employees and officials during the winter months, which provided a much-needed economic boost to the region. Now, after a hiatus of more than four years, the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government has decided to reinstate this traditional practice. The decision, according to the Chief Minister, aims to restore the historical and socio-cultural legacy of Jammu and Kashmir while simultaneously taking the administration closer to the people. The move has been described by the government as a step toward reviving an old bond of inter-regional interaction and ensuring that governance remains people-centric rather than confined to the digital domain. The file proposing the restoration of the Darbar Move was recently approved by the Lieutenant Governor, signaling the formal commencement of the process. The General Administration Department (GAD) has since issued Order No. 1357-JK(GAD) of 2025, outlining the schedule for the closure of government offices in the summer capital Srinagar and their reopening in the winter capital Jammu.
As per the order, thirty-nine departments, including the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, will move to Jammu in full strength, while forty other departments will move partially, with a limited staff contingent of ten officials or thirty-three percent of their total workforce, whichever is less. This hybrid arrangement seeks to balance tradition with administrative efficiency, reducing the logistical burden while retaining the spirit of the Darbar Move. The decision has been received with enthusiasm in Jammu, especially among the business community, who see it as a revival of the city’s economic lifeline. The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by its president Arun Gupta, has hailed the government’s decision, expressing optimism that a complete restoration of the Darbar Move in its original form will rejuvenate trade, tourism, and local enterprise. Yet, the revival of this practice has also reignited debates over its contemporary relevance. Critics argue that the socio-economic and technological realities of the 21st century have rendered the Darbar Move obsolete. With advanced e-governance platforms, seamless communication networks, and all-weather road connectivity between the two capitals, there seems to be little administrative justification for physically relocating entire departments twice a year. Opponents view the move as an unnecessary expenditure that drains the exchequer and disrupts the continuity of governance. They contend that the funds spent on logistics, transport, and temporary accommodation could instead be redirected toward public welfare projects, infrastructure, and digital transformation initiatives that would benefit citizens year-round.
Nevertheless, supporters of the Darbar Move counter that the decision transcends mere economics. They emphasize its symbolic and integrative value, asserting that it fosters a sense of unity and shared governance between the regions. The move, they argue, is not simply about shifting offices—it is about bridging historical divides, nurturing inter-regional understanding, and preserving a legacy that has defined Jammu and Kashmir’s unique administrative identity for generations. For many, its restoration represents not just a political or administrative act but an emotional reaffirmation of the region’s composite culture. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in defending his decision, has stated that governance is not only about files and computers but about human connection and accessibility. By reinstating the Darbar Move, he aims to revive a tradition that once ensured the government’s presence in every corner of the region. The administration, he says, must not operate from the confines of a single capital but should remain visible, mobile, and responsive to people’s needs across geographical and cultural boundaries. This vision, though rooted in history, is projected as a bridge to the future—one that combines traditional inclusivity with modern adaptability.
While the practical implications of this revival remain to be seen, the decision has undoubtedly stirred renewed political and public discourse across Jammu and Kashmir. For many residents of Jammu, especially traders and service providers, the return of the Darbar Move brings a sense of relief and renewed economic hope after years of downturn following its abolition. For others, particularly technocrats and reformists, it raises questions about the efficiency of governance in an era driven by digitization and decentralization. The challenge for the Omar Abdullah government will lie in balancing these competing perspectives—preserving the essence of a cherished tradition while ensuring administrative pragmatism and fiscal responsibility. In the broader sense, the restoration of the Darbar Move is more than an administrative shift; it is a reaffirmation of Jammu and Kashmir’s historical continuity and regional interdependence. It reconnects the present with the past, honoring a legacy that once united two distinct regions under a single administrative umbrella. Whether this revival proves to be a nostalgic return to history or a pragmatic move toward inclusive governance, only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the decision has reignited the spirit of dialogue, identity, and tradition in a region whose story has always been intertwined with change and resilience.
The Omar Abdullah-led government’s revival of the 150-year-old Darbar Move marks a reversal of the 2021 decision by the then LG Manoj Sinha administration, which had abolished the practice citing savings of Rs 200 crore annually. That move had angered traders, especially in Jammu, where the Darbar tradition was a major economic driver during winters. With its restoration, economic optimism has returned to Jammu—often called the City of Temples—where local businesses and traders welcome the expected revival of trade and tourism. Supporters argue that beyond economics, the decision will rebuild social and cultural bonds between Jammu and Kashmir, strengthening regional harmony. Critics, however, call the revival outdated and wasteful in the age of e-governance, claiming it undermines administrative efficiency and financial prudence. While politically symbolic and rooted in regional aspirations, whether this revival proves a blessing or a burden remains to be seen. |
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