Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday announced resumption of traditional bi-annual Darbar Move practice after the gap of more than four years.
The bi-annual Darbar Move practice was halted by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in 2011.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, the CM said that the cabinet has given nod for the revival of the century-old practice.
“The file was sent to the Lieutenant Governor and he has approved it. I have signed the file today,” he said.
The Cabinet had recommended a return to the full-fledged Darbar Move in September this year.
The Durbar Move practice was initiated in 1872 by Maharaja Gulab Singh to move the capital between Jammu in the winter and Srinagar in the summer.
It continued for over a century, providing administrative access to both regions.
The practice was discontinued by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha in 2021.
Meanwhile, a government order issued in the evening stated that offices in Srinagar will close on October 31 and November 1 and officially reopen in Jammu on November 3.
The offices moving in camp shall carry only 33% of the staff strength in that particular office, or 10 officials, whichever is minimum, or otherwise as specifically indicated.
Police have been asked to escort the convoy carrying employees all along the route upto their respective destinations. They will also make sure that the convoy is given precedence in crossing the Banihal Qazigund Tunnel and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel.
Special Move TA shall be paid at the uniform rate of Rs. 25,000/- per move employee. Special Move TA shall not, however, be payable to such employees who do not move before/within the prescribed date.
Meanwhile, the CM requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfil his promise on restoration of statehood to J&K.
“We were hopeful that the Centre would fulfil its promise to restore statehood to J&K in the first year of our government, but it has not happened. I request the prime minister and his team to fulfil the promise made to us by restoring statehood,” Omar said while addressing a press conference here on completion of one year in office.
He said the NC government has made efforts to restore statehood, as “we brought a resolution”.
“The government is working for the betterment of J&K’s people, and it will fulfil all the promises made to them in the run-up to the elections last year,” he said.