Darbar move will be restored soon, promises CM Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that Darbar move — the practice of biannual shifting of secretariat in Jammu and Kashmir — will soon be restored as the uniqueness of Jammu cannot be diluted.

He was addressing the mediapersons after a meeting with civil society, which was a part of the public outreach programme.

“I do not understand why the issue of Dabar move was not raised earlier but cropped only after the elections. But we have assured in meetings and otherwise that the practice will soon be restored. The uniqueness of Jammu will not be diluted,” said Omar.

Under Darbar move, the civil secretariat and government offices used to function six months each in Srinagar and Jammu during summer and winter season, respectively.

The practice, introduced by Dogra rulers nearly 150 years ago, was stopped by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha in June 2021, citing administration’s complete transition to e-office which could help save Rs 200 crore per year.

However, the decision came up for sharp criticism from various quarters, including Jammu business community and politicians, who termed the exercise as a bond between the two regions. Chamber of Commerce and Industry has multiple times urged the government to restore the practice as it was beneficial for the business of the region.

Meanwhile, speaking about the meeting of civil society at his official residence, Omar said that feedback on many issues was received from locals.

This was the first such meeting in the winter capital after the NC-led government assumed power in J&K. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana and Satish Sharma were also present during the meeting.

Omar Abdullah said that there is a need to get a feedback about every decision that government takes as it impacts the general public. “Sometimes it becomes difficult to get the right feedback within the government because mostly you are surrounded by people who only praise you. So when a meeting of civil society takes place like this, the participants come without any agenda and put forth their feedback and suggestions which turn out to be beneficial,” he said.

He said that at least four such meetings, including two each in Kashmir and Jammu, will be held every year.