In Jammu and Kashmir, the administration resumed functioning from the winter capital, Jammu, today, with the Civil Secretariat and other government offices, including the Lok Bhawan, reopening in Jammu as part of the 154-year-old biannual Darbar Move practice.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour upon his arrival at the Civil Secretariat and took the salute as the offices resumed functioning, two days after closing in the summer capital Srinagar. Abdullah conducted a whirlwind tour of various offices at the Secretariat and interacted with officials.
The reopening marks the resumption of the biannual administrative arrangement under which the Government shifts its offices between Jammu and Srinagar.
Security arrangements have been strengthened in Jammu, with police and paramilitary personnel deployed in key areas, particularly around the Secretariat. Security has also been stepped up along important roads and around vital installations.
The Civil Secretariat, which houses the offices of the chief minister, ministers, chief secretary and other senior government functionaries, underwent renovation and facelift ahead of the reopening. Government buildings and residential accommodation for employees were also renovated.
Introduced by the Dogra rulers in 1872, the Darbar Move was aimed at allowing the administration to escape the harsh winter conditions of the Kashmir Valley by shifting its base to Jammu during the colder months.
The biannual movement of thousands of government employees and their families to Jammu provided a significant boost to the local economy, particularly businesses and markets during the winter season.