All top offices of the Jammu and Kashmir government have reopened in Srinagar after operating in Jammu for six months. This practice of moving government offices between Jammu and Srinagar, based on a 150-year-old tradition, sees the chief minister, cabinet members, and senior officials working in Jammu during winter and in Srinagar during summer. The elected government, led by Omar Abdullah, reinstated this practice to enhance governance accessibility between the two regions of the union territory.
Marking the resumption of the annual Darbar Move, the Civil Secretariat has started functioning in Srinagar. Government offices, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s office, are now operational in the summer capital. The Darbar Move signifies a continuity of governance in Jammu and Kashmir, with the full Secretariat shifting to Srinagar after years. The transition involved preparatory work such as road repairs and infrastructure readiness to ensure smooth operations.
As per official orders from the General Administration Department, offices in Jammu closed on different dates in April and May. Around 38 departments have completely relocated to Srinagar, while others are functioning with limited staff on a camp basis. Working hours in Srinagar have been set from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for Secretariat departments and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for other offices. Additionally, a summer secretariat camp office will continue operating in Jammu.
