Reviving Tradition: The Return of Jammu and Kashmir's Bi-Annual Darbar Move

The government of Jammu and Kashmir is set to relocate its administrative operations from its winter capital, Jammu, to its summer capital, Srinagar, as part of the bi-annual 'Darbar Move.' This tradition, which has been in place for nearly 150 years, will resume on May 4, after being halted two years ago.

An official order noted that offices observing a five-day workweek will close on April 30, while those on a six-day schedule will shut on May 2. They are slated to reopen in Srinagar on May 4. A partial shift in staff will take place, with the main Civil Secretariat and 38 departments moving entirely, while others adopt a 'camp' mode.

The Estates department will manage employee accommodations, and additional measures include arranging transport via the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation and providing a Rs 25,000 travel allowance per employee. Office hours will be lengthened in line with the shift. The move remains contentious due to its economic impact in Jammu.