GAD Issues Detailed Order for Revival of Darbar Move; Offices to Shift to Jammu from Oct 31 – Alfaaz – The Words

Alfaaz – The Words Desk

Srinagar: Following the Chief Minister’s approval and announcement of the revival of the historic Darbar Move, the General Administration Department (GAD) Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday issued a comprehensive order detailing the schedule and logistical arrangements for the biannual transition of government offices from Srinagar to Jammu for the Winter Session 2025–26.

According to the order, a copy of which lies with Alfaaz – The Words, the government offices observing a five-day week will close in Srinagar on October 31, 2025 (Friday), while those following a six-day week will close on November 1, 2025 (Saturday). All offices will reopen at Jammu on November 3, 2025 (Monday), marking the commencement of the Winter Secretariat operations.

The GAD directive specifies that the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) shall make adequate transport arrangements for the movement of employees on November 1 and 2, with advance booking of tickets available from October 27. Convoys will be accompanied by police escorts, cranes, and mobile workshops to ensure smooth transit through Banihal and the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel.

To facilitate a safe and comfortable shift, the Health & Medical Education Department has been instructed to establish medical aid facilities along the route at Qazigund, Banihal, Ramban, and Udhampur, while the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department will ensure adequate ration supplies at government residential colonies in Jammu.

Each moving employee will be entitled to a Special Move T.A. of ₹25,000, and non-gazetted employees seeking advance pay will be sanctioned accordingly. Salaries for October 2025 will be drawn and disbursed on October 31 for all employees involved in the move.

Additionally, the GAD order mentions that a Winter Secretariat will function at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, during the winter months to manage urgent administrative matters. All departments have been directed to detach staff from subordinate offices in the Kashmir Division by October 27 to ensure a seamless transition.

The issuance of the GAD order follows Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s announcement earlier in the day, announcing the revival of the Darbar Move after a gap of more than four years. The Chief Minister termed the decision a step toward “restoring administrative continuity and reaffirming the historical balance between the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.”

Instituted in 1872 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh, the Darbar Move has long symbolized administrative unity between the twin capitals. The practice, which was halted in 2021, will now resume in full, marking the restoration of one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most enduring administrative traditions.