The Jammu and Kashmir Government has officially announced the Darbar Move, shifting government offices from Jammu to Srinagar for the summer of 2026. This bi-annual practice involves relocating the Civil Secretariat and other administrative departments to the summer capital. The government has released a detailed schedule outlining the process for closure, reopening, transportation, security, and various administrative arrangements to ensure a smooth transition.
According to Government Order No.786-3K(GAD) of 2026, dated April 15, offices observing a five-day week will conclude operations in Jammu on April 30 after working hours. For offices following a six-day week, the closure date is set for May 2. All offices are slated to resume functioning in Srinagar on May 4, marking the official commencement of the summer session. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, this well-established tradition is aimed at ensuring effective governance across the region by operating from both Jammu and Srinagar at different times of the year.
The logistical complexities of moving a significant portion of the government machinery are considerable. The order stipulates that offices functioning in a mobile camp setup will operate with a reduced staff strength of 33 percent or a maximum of 10 officials, whichever is lower. The Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) has been tasked with providing an adequate number of buses on May 1 and 3 to facilitate the transportation of employees. Advance ticketing commenced on April 20. Each convoy will be accompanied by a crane, two empty buses, and mobile workshops to address any mechanical issues that may arise en route. J&K Police will provide security for the convoys and ensure they receive priority passage through crucial traffic arteries, including the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel and the Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel.
Recognizing the importance of healthcare during the relocation, medical arrangements have been established at various locations along the route. These include Jhajjar Kotli, Udhampur, Chenani, Ramban, Ramsu, Banihal, and Qazigund. The Health and Medical Education Department will be responsible for issuing the necessary instructions to ensure that adequate medical facilities are available for the moving employees. To prevent unauthorized occupation of government accommodations, employees have been instructed not to occupy any government or municipal housing without proper allotment. However, they are permitted to retain their Jammu accommodations for family use, subject to certain prescribed conditions. Furthermore, ration counters will be set up in Srinagar to cater to the needs of the employees who are part of the Darbar Move.
To compensate for the expenses incurred during the move, a uniform Special Move Travelling Allowance of Rs 25,000 has been sanctioned for employees undertaking the relocation within the specified timeframe. Advance salary for April will be disbursed on April 29 to facilitate a smooth transition. Leave during the move period will only be granted under exceptional circumstances, and Jammu-based employees who opt for it will be entitled to three days of special casual leave. The General Administration Department will establish the Summer Secretariat in Jammu, while all departments have been instructed to detach any attached staff before April 27. Accommodation arrangements in Srinagar will be managed following established practices.
The government order specifies that the office timings in Srinagar will be from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM for the Civil Secretariat and departments within its premises. Offices located outside the Civil Secretariat will operate from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. All offices will observe a six-day week. With the arrangements in place, the government anticipates a seamless transition of operations to Srinagar, ensuring the continuation of administrative functions throughout the summer season.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.