SRINAGAR, May 4, 2026 : Marking the revival of a historic administrative tradition, the Civil Secretariat Srinagar reopened on Monday as part of the bi-annual ‘Darbar Move’, formally shifting the seat of governance to the summer capital.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour as government offices resumed functioning in Srinagar, nearly a week after closing in Jammu. The move signifies the full relocation of administrative machinery, restoring a practice that has defined governance in Jammu and Kashmir for over a century.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the resumption of the Darbar Move reflects renewed continuity in governance, with the Secretariat relocating to Srinagar for the summer months after a gap of several years.
The Darbar Move tradition dates back to 1872, when Maharaja Gulab Singh initiated the practice to escape extreme weather conditions—shifting governance to Jammu during winters and Srinagar during summers. Over time, it became a unique administrative system aimed at ensuring balanced governance and accessibility for both regions.
While the practice continued post-Independence, it was halted in 2021 during the Lt Governor’s rule. However, it was reinstated in 2025 under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, restoring a key institutional tradition of the Union Territory.
Ahead of the reopening, Srinagar witnessed significant infrastructural upgrades. Roads and walkways were refurbished, potholes repaired, and public spaces given a facelift to accommodate the movement of government offices and officials.
The reopening of the Secretariat in Srinagar not only marks the seasonal shift of administration but also underscores the region’s enduring governance legacy rooted in adaptability and regional inclusivity.
