Srinagar, Apr 15 : The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday ordered the annual shift of government offices from Jammu to Srinagar for the summer season, with offices scheduled to reopen in the Valley on May 4.
According to an order issued by the General Administration Department, offices observing a five-day week will close in Jammu on April 30 after office hours, while those following a six-day schedule will shut on May 2.
The order said departments moving in camp will restrict staff strength to 33 per cent or a maximum of 10 officials, whichever is lower, during the relocation.
The Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation has been directed to arrange buses for the movement on May 1 and May 3, with advance booking to begin from April 20. The administration said convoys will be supported with logistics, including cranes, standby buses and mobile workshops to address any breakdowns on the highway.
Police have been tasked with providing escort to the convoys and ensuring movement through key stretches, including the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel and the Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel.
The government said medical facilities will be put in place at multiple points along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, including Jhajjar Kotli, Udhampur, Ramban, Banihal and Qazigund, to assist employees during transit.
Employees undertaking the move will be eligible for a special travelling allowance of Rs 25,000, subject to completion of the shift within the notified period. Advance salary for April will be released on April 29, the order said.
The administration directed employees not to occupy government accommodation without allotment, while allowing retention of Jammu accommodation for families under existing rules. Ration facilities will also be set up in Srinagar for employees relocating under the move.
The order added that leave during the transition period will be allowed only in exceptional cases, while Jammu-based employees may avail three days of special casual leave.
Office timings in Srinagar after reopening have been fixed from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm for the Civil Secretariat and related offices, and from 10 am to 4:30 pm for other offices following a six-day work schedule.(KNS)
