Srinagar, Oct 24 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements for the upcoming Darbar Move Session 2025–26, emphasizing on ensuring smooth, secure and well-coordinated shifting of offices from Srinagar to Jammu.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Estates Shaleen Kabra, ACS to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, ACS Power Development Department Shailendra Kumar, Director General Fire & Emergency Services, several Administrative Secretaries, Inspector General of Police Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir/Jammu and other senior officers and Heads of Departments connected with Darbar Move.
At the outset, Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD) M. Raju made a detailed presentation on the transport arrangements and logistical aspects of the Darbar move convoy.
The Chief Minister directed the Managing Director JKRTC and Traffic Department to arrange additional buses and arrange down convoys for two consecutive days—November 1 and 2, 2025—to ensure safe and efficient movement of employees and equipments.
He emphasized meticulous coordination between departments for hassle-free transportation during the move.
Reviewing the security and traffic management plan along the National Highway and residential accommodation for move employees, the Chief Minister impressed upon the Police Department and other concerned agencies to ensure comprehensive security measures, especially in all residential areas where employees would be located.
The meeting was also informed that medical assistance will remain available along the movement route, with 19 doctors, 40 paramedics, and 10 ambulances each deployed in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions, besides seven ambulances kept on standby mode.
The Chief Minister directed the formation of a committee headed by ACS Estates, with members from GAD, ARI & Trainings, and Housing & Urban Development Department, to resolve accommodation-related issues and ensure readiness of residential quarters. He also instructed the Estates Department to establish a control room in Jammu to address any office accommodation concerns during the move period.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements of essential services, food, hospitality, and other key facilities. Divisional Commissioner Jammu was asked to examine traffic management within Jammu city and around major residential areas, and to identify locations along the convoy route for food and public convenience facilities, including washrooms, to cater to employees and officials during the move.
Further, the Chief Minister instructed the Estates Department to establish a dedicated control room for addressing accommodation and logistical issues, while the General Administration Department (GAD) shall set up the Winter Secretariat at Srinagar with minimal staff presence.
The Chief Minister directed the issuance of monthly rosters for Ministers and administrative secretaries to be stationed at the Winter Secretariat in Srinagar, beginning with the November roster.
The Chief Minister stressed that the Darbar Move, being a unique administrative tradition, demands flawless coordination, security, preparedness and public ease.
He directed all departments to work in synergy to ensure that the 2025–26 session begins seamlessly in Jammu—(KNO)