The End of an Era: Unpacking Jammu & Kashmir's Darbar Move

For nearly 150 years, the administrative heart of Jammu and Kashmir performed a grand, bi-annual migration. This was the 'Darbar Move,' a unique, logistical spectacle where the entire governmental machinery, including the Chief Minister, ministers, and top bureaucrats, would shift from Srinagar to Jammu for the winter, and then back to Srinagar for the summer.

It was a tradition steeped in history, a relic of a bygone era that finally drew its curtains in 2021.

The genesis of this fascinating practice dates back to 1872, initiated by Maharaja Gulab Singh. The idea was rooted in pragmatic reasons: to escape the harsh winters of Srinagar and the scorching summers of Jammu, ensuring governance continued smoothly year-round.

Over the decades, it evolved into a symbol of administrative continuity and an unusual cultural fixture, deeply embedded in the region's identity.

However, beneath the veneer of tradition lay a mountain of practical challenges. The 'Darbar Move' was an incredibly expensive affair, reportedly costing hundreds of crores of rupees annually.

This massive expenditure included the logistics of transporting thousands of employees, their families, and all vital government records across the treacherous mountainous terrain. Beyond the financial drain, it caused significant administrative disruption, with government offices effectively shutting down for days during the transition periods, impacting public services and decision-making.

Security was another paramount concern.

Moving sensitive official documents and files twice a year presented inherent risks. The sheer scale of the operation meant thousands of vehicles, security personnel, and resources were deployed for the movement, diverting them from other crucial duties.

The advent of modern technology, particularly the shift towards e-office systems, began to render the physical movement of files and personnel increasingly redundant.

Why relocate entire departments when digital solutions could facilitate seamless work from any location? This technological leap provided a compelling argument for reassessing the practice.

The curtain finally fell on this historic tradition in June 2021, when Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha officially declared its discontinuation.

This decision was not merely about cutting costs; it reflected a broader administrative reform agenda post the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory and the abrogation of Article 370. The Jammu and Kashmir High Court had also previously observed the Darbar Move's usefulness to be questionable, urging the administration to reconsider it.

The immediate impact has been substantial.

The Union Territory is now projected to save over Rs 200 crore annually, funds that can be re-allocated to development and public welfare. Furthermore, the two secretariat buildings in Jammu and Srinagar, once used seasonally, can now be fully utilized throughout the year, with separate offices functioning permanently in both cities, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for citizens.

While the 'Darbar Move' served its purpose for over a century and a half, its discontinuation marks a significant step towards modernizing governance in Jammu and Kashmir.

It represents a pivot from historical tradition to contemporary efficiency, leveraging technology and fiscal prudence to deliver better administration to its people, finally putting an end to a journey that once defined the rhythm of governance in the region.