Chief Minister Omar Abdullah receives guard of honour as offices reopen in Jammu
The Civil Secretariat and other government departments have resumed functioning in the winter capital following the restoration of the Darbar Move.
The Civil Secretariat and various government offices reopened in Jammu on Monday, marking the return of the Darbar Move. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah received a Guard of Honour from a Jammu and Kashmir Police contingent upon his arrival at the secretariat this morning, according to Greater Kashmir.
The biannual administrative shift involves moving government offices between Srinagar, the summer capital, and Jammu, the winter capital. These offices operated from Srinagar from May to October before moving to Jammu for the winter months.
The Tribune reported that authorities have completed preparations for government employees to stay in Jammu for the next six months. This included renovating government buildings, residential accommodation, and the Civil Secretariat, which houses the offices of the Chief Minister and ministers.
The administration also carried out civic works in Jammu, such as road repairs, blacktopping, and cleaning footpaths. Security has been increased in the city, with police and paramilitary personnel deployed at vital installations and along important roads.
The Darbar Move was originally introduced in 1872 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh to avoid harsh winter conditions in the Kashmir Valley. While the practice was discontinued in 2021, the Omar Abdullah-led government restored the arrangement in October 2025.