SRINAGAR: The Jammu Kashmir Government has reinstated the historic Darbar Move practice, directing the closure of the Civil Secretariat and other government offices in Srinagar, which will reopen in Jammu on November 3.
An official communication issued on Friday confirmed that all departments operating from the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, will relocate to the winter capital as part of the centuries-old biannual tradition symbolising the seasonal transfer of governance between Srinagar and Jammu.
The reopening marks the commencement of the government’s six-month functioning from Jammu, aimed at maintaining administrative accessibility and continuity during the Valley’s harsh winter months.
The Darbar Move, a 149-year-old tradition introduced under the Dogra rulers, was halted after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 when the administration opted to keep both secretariats functional throughout the year to cut costs and enhance efficiency.
Officials said the decision to revive the practice was taken to “restore administrative coordination” and preserve the historical legacy associated with the governance system of the erstwhile princely state. All government employees stationed in Srinagar have been instructed to report for duty in Jammu following the reopening.
The government has made elaborate arrangements in Jammu to accommodate the offices, including enhanced security, allocation of office spaces, and housing facilities for the staff.
In a related development, the Jammu Kashmir Government has also issued the roster of Hon’ble Ministers for November and December 2025, specifying their availability at the Civil Secretariat.
According to Government Order No. 1412-JK(GAD), the schedule is as follows:
Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments: November 3-7, 2025; Sakeena Masood (Itoo), Minister for Health and Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare Departments: November 10-14, 2025; Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science and Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, and ARI and Trainings Departments: November 17-21, 2025; Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister: November 24-28, 2025; Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs Departments: December 1-5, 2025.
The move signals a revival of one of Jammu Kashmir’s oldest administrative traditions, blending governance efficiency with a return to symbolic continuity.
