“The restoration of darbar move in Jammu & Kashmir is the revival of a historical practice under which administration shifts between two capitals to ensure smooth governance during harsh winters and maintain regional balance.”
After a four-year hiatus, Jammu and Kashmir has once again witnessed the revival of its historic bi-annual administrative ritual — the Darbar Move. As government offices in Srinagar downed shutters this week and prepare to reopen in Jammu on Monday, the centuries-old tradition reclaims its place in the Union Territory’s governance calendar. Yet, its resumption also rekindles a long-standing debate: should symbolism prevail over efficiency in an era defined by digital governance and fiscal prudence? The Darbar Move traces its roots to 1878, when Dogra ruler Maharaja Ranbir Singh initiated the practice of shifting the seat of governance between the two regions — from Srinagar in summer to Jammu in winter. The idea was both strategic and climatic. In an age without modern infrastructure, the move allowed the administration to function smoothly through harsh Himalayan winters while maintaining political and emotional balance between the two capitals. For generations, it stood as a unifying symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s dual identity — a gesture that governance belonged equally to both regions. This year, under the full Darbar Move, 39 offices including the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and key departments — are relocating completely to Jammu, while 47 departments will function in a limited capacity. The Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation has made elaborate transport arrangements for the shifting of employees, records, and equipment. Employees without accommodation in Jammu are being granted five days of special casual leave, a small relief amid the logistical challenges of this large-scale migration. Ministers and administrative secretaries have also been rostered to ensure adequate presence in both capitals. However, this revival comes after the practice was scrapped in 2021, when the government cited an annual expenditure of ₹200 crore as unsustainable. The decision at the time was hailed as a move toward efficiency and modernization, aligning with the broader digital transformation in governance. The introduction of e-office systems and online coordination platforms had enabled smooth administrative functioning from both regions without the need for physical relocation. In that context, the decision to resume the Darbar Move invites scrutiny — is it a reaffirmation of heritage, or a step back from modernization? For supporters, the revival of the Move symbolizes continuity, inclusivity, and balance between the two regions. It is seen as a reassurance that both Jammu and Kashmir continue to share administrative centrality and representation. The ceremonial movement of offices not only sustains the emotional bond between the regions but also stimulates the local economy, benefiting transporters, hoteliers, and traders. The sight of convoys and packed buses heading down the Jammu–Srinagar highway is, for many, a reminder of a legacy that predates the modern political order. Yet, critics argue that the Darbar Move, in its traditional form, represents an outdated model of governance. At a time when the government itself promotes digital innovation, paperless offices, and environmental sustainability, the physical transport of thousands of employees and tons of official records appears redundant. The resources spent on this biannual ritual could be redirected toward improving public services, infrastructure, and employee welfare. Moreover, the movement demands massive security and logistical coordination — especially along the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, which remains vulnerable to weather disruptions and security threats. There is also the question of public convenience.
“With the return of historical darbar move a hybrid model has been put into place that balances its symbolic value with modern administrative efficiency. Leveraging e-office systems to minimize physical movement, the model suggests only select departments needing on-ground coordination should move. Others would operate digitally, preserving the tradition’s essence while ensuring governance evolves with the times and doesn’t burden the present.”
During the Move, access to government offices becomes uncertain for ordinary citizens seeking services or redress. While ministers and secretaries are scheduled to be present in both regions on rotation, such arrangements rarely offer the same responsiveness as a stable, year-round administrative structure. For many residents — particularly those in remote districts — the Darbar Move often feels like a ceremonial exercise disconnected from everyday governance needs. Still, the reintroduction of the Move may carry political and psychological weight at a time when Jammu and Kashmir continues to navigate its post-Article 370 realities. It projects a sense of normalcy, continuity, and stability in a region that has undergone significant administrative restructuring in recent years. The government may also be seeking to restore a cultural and emotional link that many residents associate with identity and inclusion — values that hold deep symbolic resonance in the Union Territory’s diverse social fabric. The ideal path forward perhaps lies not in a complete revival or total abandonment of the Darbar Move, but in a hybrid model — one that combines the symbolic value of the tradition with the practical efficiency of modern governance. With e-office systems already in place, physical movement can be minimized while maintaining dual administrative presence. Select departments that require on-ground coordination could continue to move, while others operate seamlessly through digital platforms. This would preserve the essence of the tradition while aligning it with contemporary administrative logic. Ultimately, governance must evolve with time. While history deserves respect, it should not become a burden on the present.
Editor @thekashmirhorizon.com
