Srinagar, May 4: civil secretariat, which houses the offices of the Chief Minister, Council of Ministers and administrative secretaries, reopened in Srinagar on Monday after functioning in the winter capital for six months, marking the resumption of half yearly “Durbar Move”.
The Durbar Move, which was resumed last year in Jammu, marks the restoration of a key governance tradition in Jammu and Kashmir, with the Civil Secretariat shifting in full to the summer capital after several years.
On his arrival, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inspected the parade and received his first Guard of Honour in Srinagar following the resumption of Durbar Move in October last year under his leadership.
He was received by his cabinet colleagues, the Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and other senior civil and police officers.
The reopening of offices in the summer capital signifies the formal commencement of the administration’s functioning in Srinagar for the season, underscoring continuity in governance and institutional tradition.
Later, the Chief Minister toured various floors and sections of the Civil Secretariat to take stock of functioning and facilities. He inspected the chambers of ministers and administrative secretaries, clerical halls, and the renovated public waiting hall at the main gate.
On the first day of the reopening of the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar after Durbar Move, CM today chaired a high-level meeting to outline the governance roadmap for the next six months.
The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat, was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Administrative Secretaries of key departments including Jal Shakti, PWD, Finance, Tourism and Mining, along with all Administrative Secretaries, Inspector General of Police Kashmir and senior officers.
Addressing the meeting, Omar described the occasion as a significant milestone, noting that this was the first full-fledged Darbar Move to Srinagar after a prolonged gap.
He acknowledged the logistical challenges involved but commended departments for successfully managing the transition.
“This is the first full Durbar Move in Srinagar after a number of years. The departments navigated the transition in Jammu effectively. This time, we were better prepared, having anticipated the move six months in advance,” the Chief Minister said.
He emphasized that the coming six months represent the most productive period of the year, with favorable weather conditions enabling maximum execution of development works. He lauded the Finance Department for ensuring timely completion of procedural formalities, including release of funds and approvals ahead of the working season.
“Now it is our responsibility to execute. Whether departments are under my charge or that of my colleagues, delivery will only happen if we work together. We all sit here with a shared mandate to meet the expectations of the people,” he asserted.
Calling for synergy between elected representatives and the administrative machinery, the Chief Minister urged officers to prioritize coordination.
“Within our resource constraints, we also have new avenues of funding, and support from the Government of India has enabled us to expand our delivery potential. The key takeaway from this meeting should be to find common ground and work collectively towards our goals,” he said.
Highlighting key priorities for the upcoming months, the Chief Minister said that the Durbar period in Srinagar coincides with critical events, including the annual Amarnath Yatra and the peak tourism season.
He stressed that both require coordinated efforts beyond security arrangements, involving robust civil administration support.
“This is not just a working season; it is also a period that defines our governance outcomes. From tourism to pilgrimage management, we must put our best foot forward,” he said.
On infrastructure and services, he said that restoration works be expedited and that electricity and water supply be ensured across both Kashmir and Jammu regions.
He further emphasized the need for speedy implementation of decisions taken by the Council of Ministers over the past one and a half years.