The practice known as the Darbar Move, a long-standing tradition in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, involved the biannual transfer of its entire civil secretariat and other governmental bodies between two cities: Srinagar for the summer months and Jammu for the winter. This 149-year-old practice has been halted by the administration of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, an action expected to result in significant financial savings and a shift in government functioning.
History of the Darbar Move
The Darbar Move dates back to 1872, during the Dogra dynasty, when Maharaja Ranbir Singh introduced this tradition. The primary reason for this biannual shift was to escape the extreme weather conditions in each location— the scorching summers of Jammu and the harsh winters of Srinagar. This move also aimed to provide equal development opportunities and administrative accessibility to the diverse populations living in these geographically distinct regions.
Logistics of the Biannual Shift
Executing the Darbar Move was a massive logistical undertaking. Twice a year, thousands of government employees, along with tons of records and equipment, were transported over a distance of approximately 300 kilometers between Jammu and Srinagar. This not only involved considerable planning and coordination but also resulted in the disruption of work and family lives of the employees involved. Moreover, the process incurred substantial costs related to transportation, accommodations, and the setting up of temporary offices.
Reasons for Abolishing the Darbar Move
The decision to abolish the Darbar Move was taken by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s administration for several reasons. A critical factor was the financial burden it placed on the government’s resources. The move cost the exchequer around Rs.200 crore annually, a significant amount that could be redirected towards the welfare and development programmes for the region’s citizens. Additionally, the practice was seen as outdated and inefficient in the context of modern governance, where continuity and stability are essential for effective administration.
Financial Implications and Benefits
By putting an end to the Darbar Move, the administration expects to save Rs.200 crore each year. This substantial saving is intended to be utilized for the welfare of the people in the Union Territory. The funds can potentially improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other social services that directly impact the quality of life of the residents. The decision aligns with a more prudent and targeted approach to public expenditure, ensuring that government funds are directed where they are most needed.
Impact on Government Employees and Administration
The cessation of the Darbar Move means that government employees will now have fixed stations, either in Jammu or Kashmir, leading to greater stability in their professional and personal lives. This will enable them to focus better on their duties without the distraction and inconvenience of biannual relocations. For the administration, having a permanent base is likely to lead to increased efficiency, better planning, and continuity in policymaking and implementation. It also means that the government services will be available year-round in both Jammu and Srinagar, thereby improving accessibility for the local population.
Modernizing Governance
In today’s digital era, the need for physical relocation of government offices is greatly reduced. Modern communication and data management technologies enable seamless operation of administrative functions without geographical constraints. The abolition of the Darbar Move is a step towards modernizing the governance structure of Jammu and Kashmir, making it more in line with contemporary practices that emphasize efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and service delivery.
The end of the Darbar Move marks a significant shift in the administrative traditions of Jammu and Kashmir. It represents an effort to optimize governance and resource allocation in favor of the region’s development and the well-being of its people.