Srinagar, May 04 (KNO): Marking the formal resumption of the bi-annual Darbar Move, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday took charge at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar, receiving a ceremonial Guard of Honour and outlining an ambitious governance roadmap for the next six months.
With the conclusion of the winter session in Jammu, government offices have now shifted to Srinagar, the summer capital, where administrative functioning officially resumed this morning.
As per the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), on his arrival at the Civil Secretariat Srinagar, the Chief Minister was accorded a Guard of Honour and he inspected the parade.
He was received by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, cabinet colleagues and senior civil and police officials.
Later, CM Omar conducted a detailed inspection of various sections of the Secretariat, including ministerial chambers, administrative offices, clerical halls and the renovated public waiting area. He also interacted with officers, staff and visiting citizens, assuring improved facilities and enhanced public service delivery.
The reopening marks the first full-fledged return of the Darbar Move to Srinagar after several years, restoring a key administrative tradition aimed at ensuring governance access across regions.
GOVERNANCE ROADMAP SET
On the first day of functioning in Srinagar, the Chief Minister chaired a high-level meeting with ministers and administrative secretaries to set priorities for the next six months.
Calling the period the “most productive working season,” he stressed the need for early execution of development works, better inter-departmental coordination and timely implementation of Budget announcements.
“Now it is our responsibility to deliver. We have a shared mandate to meet the expectations of the people,” he said, urging officers to work collectively and efficiently.
He highlighted that the coming months coincide with crucial events, including the annual Amarnath Yatra and the peak tourism season, requiring coordinated efforts beyond security arrangements.
“This period will define our governance outcomes. From tourism to pilgrimage management, we must put our best foot forward,” he added.
FOCUS ON DELIVERY, COORDINATION
The Chief Minister stressed optimum use of resources, time-bound execution of projects and minimizing lapses in fund utilization. He also appreciated departments for smooth transition and preparedness ahead of the move.
During the meeting, key issues including new Industrial and Mining Policies were discussed, while departments were directed to ensure swift implementation of decisions taken over the past year.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo also briefed the meeting on administrative preparedness, including accommodation for move employees, essential services and arrangements in both Jammu and Srinagar.
He also highlighted flood preparedness ahead of the monsoon, stressing vigilance in vulnerable districts and called for accelerated infrastructure restoration, uninterrupted power and water supply.
Additionally, he informed that the Census process will begin with self-enumeration from May 17, urging full administrative support. Digitization of land records and other governance reforms were also flagged as priority areas.
OFFICES FULLY FUNCTIONAL IN SRINAGAR
As per official orders, five-day offices in Jammu closed on April 30, while six-day offices shut on May 2. Around 38 departments have fully relocated to Srinagar, while some continue to function on a camp basis.
Working hours in Srinagar have been fixed from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm for Secretariat departments and 10:00 am to 4:30 pm for other offices. A summer secretariat will continue to operate in Jammu as well.
MLAS WELCOME MOVE
Meanwhile, several Srinagar-based MLAs, including Mubarak Gul, Shamim Firdous, Salman Sagar, Tanvir Sadiq, Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi and Mushtaq Guru, called on the Chief Minister and expressed gratitude for the revival of the Darbar Move.
They said the initiative would boost economic activity, particularly in the hospitality sector and bring renewed vibrancy to local markets.
It is important to mention, the Darbar Move, a long-standing administrative practice in Jammu and Kashmir, facilitates seasonal shifting of the government between Jammu and Srinagar, ensuring governance remains accessible and responsive across both regions—(KNO)