Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir Government’s decision to restore the century-old Darbar Move tradition — under which the civil secretariat and other government offices shift between Srinagar and Jammu biannually — has sparked a wave of mixed reactions across the former state.
While many people in Jammu have welcomed the move, describing it as a step toward reviving business, heritage and administrative balance, residents in Kashmir have largely expressed scepticism, questioning its relevance in the digital age and amid heavy investments in e-governance.
Critics argue that the biannual relocation of the government — discontinued in 2021 as part of administrative reforms — represents an outdated and costly practice that places an unnecessary financial burden on the public exchequer. “Can a state like J&K afford such an expensive exercise when funds are needed for development, infrastructure, and employment generation?” asked an economist at the University of Kashmir, pointing to the substantial costs involved in accommodation, transport, and logistical support for thousands of employees.
Civil society voices in Kashmir have also raised accountability concerns, saying that the absence of ministers and MLAs during harsh winters often leaves residents without effective governance. “Every winter, people in the Valley struggle with power shortages, blocked roads, and healthcare challenges. When the administration moves out, it creates a vacuum,” said social activist Firdous Ahmad.
However, supporters of the move in both regions emphasize its symbolic and cultural value, arguing that the Darbar Move is more than an administrative exercise — it embodies Jammu and Kashmir’s composite culture, secular ethos, and inter-regional integration.
“Darbar Move has historically been about connecting the regions, fostering understanding, and ensuring that both Jammu and Kashmir feel equally represented,” said Rajesh Sharma, a resident of Jammu.
Government officials have defended the decision, stating that it aims to restore historical continuity and maintain balance between the two capitals. But questions remain over the financial prudence and administrative efficiency of reviving the tradition in an era where digital governance tools have minimized the need for physical relocations.
As the debate intensifies, the restoration of the Darbar Move once again places Jammu and Kashmir at the crossroads between tradition and transformation, raising the question — should symbolic unity come at such a steep cost to the taxpayer?
