JAMMU, November 2, 2026 – The much-anticipated bi-annual shift of power is complete. Marking the onset of winter, the Civil Secretariat and other moving offices of the Jammu & Kashmir Government officially reopened in the winter capital of Jammu today, November 2.
The slight chill enveloping Jammu was contrasted by the warmth, vitality, and economic buzz signifying the complete return of the “Darbar.” The traditional bi-annual movement of the administration brings thousands of employees and their families to Jammu, traditionally providing a massive economic boost to local businesses and markets.
According to official notifications, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and 40 other major offices have moved to Jammu “in full.” Concurrently, 50 other specified departments have moved “in camp” for the winter session of 2026-27. The offices moving “in camp” are mandated to carry either 33 percent of their staff strength or 10 officials—whichever is less—to ensure smooth administrative continuity in both capitals.
To maintain public services in the Kashmir Valley, the General Administration Department (GAD) has already established a robust winter secretariat at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar.
The intricate logistical transition began late last week. Offices in Srinagar observing a five-day work week closed on October 30, while those on a six-day schedule shut on October 31. The second and final batch of “Move” employees, securely transporting important government records, successfully reached Jammu on Sunday, November 1.
Upon the resumption of work today, the Civil Secretariat and the heads of departments located within its premises in Jammu will function from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Moving heads of departments located outside the secretariat that observe a six-day work week will operate from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
This marks the second consecutive year of the Darbar Move to Jammu since the bi-annual practice was restored by the elected J&K government in November 2025, fulfilling a major electoral promise.
The historic Darbar Move—a 150-year-old administrative tradition initiated by Dogra Maharajas based on strategic and climatic considerations—was controversially suspended by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration in 2021. The administration had cited the transition to the e-office system and an expected saving of ₹200 crore to the state exchequer. However, the suspension drew widespread criticism, particularly from the Jammu business community, which heavily relies on the economic activity generated by the Move, prompting its eventual restoration by the current elected government.
Published by True Roots Media Network