Darbar Move J&K 2025

The Darbar Move J&K is a unique administrative tradition in Jammu and Kashmir where the government shifts its offices between Jammu and Srinagar with the changing seasons. After a four-year pause due to financial concerns, this historic practice has resumed in 2025, making it a significant topic in current affairs for SSC aspirants.

What is the Darbar Move in J&K?

The Darbar Move J&K, also known as the Darbar transfer, is a biannual relocation of government offices to ensure effective governance across the Union Territory. During the summer months, Srinagar serves as the summer capital, while Jammu becomes the winter capital. This system allows administrators to remain accessible to citizens in both regions despite harsh weather conditions and connectivity challenges.

The move involves the transfer of records, files, and staff of all key government departments. It also supports the local economy of the winter capital, Jammu, by maintaining its business and administrative vitality.

Historical Background of Darbar Move J&K

The tradition of Darbar Move J&K dates back to 1872 under Maharaja Ranbir Singh, who introduced it to bridge regional divides and ensure smooth governance across the diverse terrains of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. Originally, official documents were transported on horses and mules before the advent of roadways and modern transportation.

This dual-capital system is unique but not exclusive to J&K. Other states like Maharashtra (Mumbai and Nagpur) and Himachal Pradesh (Shimla and Dharamshala) have similar arrangements.

The 2025 Jammu Srinagar Move

As per the latest government order by Commissioner Secretary M. Raju, all offices in Srinagar, including the J&K secretariat, will close after working hours on October 31 and reopen in Jammu on November 3.

• 38 key departments, including Revenue, Forest, Transport, and Technical Education, will relocate completely.

• 47 other departments will operate from temporary offices in Jammu during the winter season.

This shift highlights the scale and significance of the J&K government shift, which remains one of India’s oldest bureaucratic customs. The Darbar Move J&K demonstrates careful planning to ensure continuity of administration.

Why Jammu and Kashmir Does Darbar Move

SSC aspirants should remember the key reasons behind the Darbar Move tradition started by Maharaja Ranbir Singh:

1. To ensure effective administration across geographically diverse regions.

2. To maintain connectivity between government offices and citizens.

3. To sustain Jammu’s economy during the winter months.

4. To uphold a symbolic balance between Jammu and Kashmir.

The Darbar Move J&K continues to serve these purposes even in modern times.

Cost and Controversy

Despite its historical importance, the Darbar Move J&K has often faced criticism for its high cost, estimated at ₹200 crore annually. The process involves moving thousands of staff and tonnes of official records. In 2020, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court noted that the tradition lacked legal or constitutional basis, calling it a wasteful practice.

However, supporters argue that the Darbar Move process and significance in J&K outweigh its costs, as it maintains administrative balance and regional unity.

Modern Relevance of Darbar Move J&K

The Jammu Srinagar Darbar Move 2025 is more than a ceremonial tradition; it reflects the historical, administrative, and socio-economic significance of dual capitals.

SSC students should focus on the following points:

• J&K secretariat relocation strengthens administrative accessibility.

• The bi-annual Darbar Move supports local businesses in the winter capital.

• Understanding the Darbar Move history of J&K is important for current affairs and GK sections in SSC exams.

• The move demonstrates how J&K government offices shift from Srinagar to Jammu in a planned manner.

The Darbar Move J&K reinforces the connection between Jammu and Kashmir and keeps the administrative machinery functional across both capitals.

Key Facts for SSC Preparation

• The distance between Jammu and Srinagar is approximately 270 km via the national highway.

• Similar dual-capital systems exist in Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh.

• The Darbar transfer once involved transporting documents on horses and mules.

• Modern infrastructure now supports a more organised J&K administrative shift.

Final Thoughts

The Darbar Move J&K is a century-old administrative tradition where the Jammu and Kashmir government shifts its offices between Srinagar and Jammu with the changing seasons.

Introduced in 1872 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh, this practice ensures effective governance and balance between the two regions—Srinagar as the summer capital and Jammu as the winter capital. After being suspended in 2021 due to financial concerns, the move has been revived in 2025, marking the return of a historic legacy.

Despite criticism over its cost, the Darbar Move J&K continues to symbolise administrative continuity, regional unity, and cultural heritage across the Union Territory.