Civil Secretariat reopens in Jammu as Durbar Move resumes
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah received a ceremonial guard of honour as government offices shifted from Srinagar to the winter capital on Monday.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration resumed functioning from the winter capital, Jammu, on Monday as the Civil Secretariat and other government offices reopened. According to the Kashmir Observer, the reopening is part of the 154-year-old biannual Durbar Move practice.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah arrived at the Civil Secretariat, the seat of the Union Territory government, and took the salute after being accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by a Jammu and Kashmir Police contingent. Abdullah conducted a tour of various offices and interacted with officials.
The Durbar Move involves the biannual shifting of the Civil Secretariat and other offices between Srinagar and Jammu. The offices operate from Srinagar from May to October and move to Jammu during the winter months.
The practice was introduced in 1872 by the Dogra rulers and Maharaja Ranbir Singh to allow the administration to avoid harsh winter conditions in the Kashmir Valley. It was discontinued in 2021 by the Lieutenant Governor-led administration due to the transition to e-office and expenditure concerns.
The Omar Abdullah-led government restored the Durbar Move in October 2025. Ahead of the reopening, the Civil Secretariat and residential accommodation for employees underwent renovation and a facelift.
Security has been strengthened in Jammu, with police and paramilitary personnel deployed around the Secretariat, vital installations, and important roads.