Jammu, Nov 2 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday received a Guard of Honour from a Jammu and Kashmir Police contingent at the Civil Secretariat here as government offices reopened in the winter capital following the annual Darbar Move.
More than 100 government offices have resumed functioning in Jammu for the six-month winter session of 2026-27, marking the shifting of the administrative machinery from Srinagar to the winter capital.
Following the ceremonial Guard of Honour, the Chief Minister is expected to hold meetings with members of the Council of Ministers and administrative secretaries to review departmental functioning and assess administrative preparedness after the Darbar Move.
The Chief Minister’s Secretariat and 40 other offices have shifted to Jammu in full, while 50 designated offices have moved in camp. These offices are operating with 33 per cent of their respective staff strength or 10 officials, whichever is fewer, unless specified otherwise.
Security arrangements have been strengthened around the Civil Secretariat and adjoining areas ahead of the resumption of official work.
The Darbar Move, a nearly 150-year-old practice introduced during the Dogra rule, involves the seasonal shifting of the seat of government between Srinagar and Jammu.
The practice was discontinued in 2021 by the then Lieutenant Governor-led administration, which cited an estimated annual saving of Rs 200 crore. However, the elected government restored the biannual practice in November 2025. (KNS)
