For over a century, the tradition of the “Darbar Move”—the biannual shifting of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Secretariat between Srinagar and Jammu—has played a central role in governance. Instituted as a practical solution to ensure administrative presence across the two regions, it once represented the state’s commitment to balancing the needs of both Jammu and Kashmir. However, in today’s world, where digital connectivity has bridged distances and modern infrastructure has redefined accessibility, this age-old practice may now be more symbolic than practical. As the Darbar Move increasingly faces scrutiny, the time seems ripe to reconsider its relevance and explore how a shift in approach could better serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Tradition of the Darbar Move
The Darbar Move dates back to the 19th century when it was initiated by Maharaja Ranbir Singh to ensure that both Jammu and Kashmir regions had equitable access to government services and representation. Twice a year, hundreds of government employees, along with their equipment and files, move between Jammu and Srinagar. This seasonal migration is heralded as a symbol of unity, fostering a shared governance experience between the two regions and keeping both Jammu and Kashmir intricately connected.
For years, this practice faced logistical challenges due to poor infrastructure, making the journey not only long but arduous. Yet, it was the only way to maintain a connection between the summer capital, Srinagar, and the winter capital, Jammu. Today, however, travel has transformed significantly. Improved roads and faster travel times make commuting between the cities manageable, while airfares as low as 2000 rupees make air travel more affordable. With the impending launch of a rail service by December, the distance between the two capitals may soon be reduced to just a four-hour journey. Given these advancements, the need for the Darbar Move appears increasingly outdated.
Financial Strain and Misallocated Resources
Each season, the Darbar Move carries an exorbitant price tag of approximately 200 crore rupees. This cost encompasses not only transportation but also the logistics of moving files, furniture, and equipment, alongside housing and administrative costs for the relocating staff. When considering this financial burden, it becomes evident that this expenditure is significant—especially when critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development across Jammu and Kashmir remain underfunded.
The 200 crore rupees currently allotted to the Darbar Move could be invested in more permanent, impactful solutions. For instance, focusing on bolstering Jammu’s tourism infrastructure could stimulate local economic growth and attract more visitors year-round. Enhancing healthcare facilities in Jammu would reduce the need for Kashmiris to seek medical treatment outside the state, creating a stronger sense of self-reliance in the region. Additionally, upgrading essential services and investing in roads and connectivity would not only improve quality of life but also enable more seamless integration within the union territory.
Questioning the Need for Physical Unity
Advocates of the Darbar Move argue that the practice is a gesture of goodwill, a binding ritual that keeps the socio-cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir intact. This sentiment has deep roots, as the shared governance model fostered by the Darbar Move helped mitigate feelings of isolation between the two regions and reinforced a sense of unity. However, as the socio-political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir continues to evolve, it’s worth questioning whether a biannual transfer of offices can genuinely promote unity in today’s context.
In the digital age, technology has allowed for unprecedented connectivity. E-governance has become the norm, enabling government operations to be conducted remotely and in real time. Rather than relying on physical movement, Jammu and Kashmir could maintain dual regional offices or allocate a smaller, rotating administrative team in each location. This would allow regional concerns to be addressed effectively, without incurring the financial strain associated with the Darbar Move.
Investing in Sustainable Growth
While the Darbar Move temporarily boosts the economy of whichever city hosts the government at any given time, this seasonal boost is fleeting and impacts only select businesses. Critics argue that these funds could instead be directed toward long-term, sustainable development projects. For instance, allocating resources to the tourism sector in Jammu could promote the region as a year-round destination, reducing its reliance on government-based economic influxes.
Similarly, by strengthening Jammu’s healthcare sector, the state could position itself as a health tourism hub. This approach would ensure that the economic benefits from such development reach a wider section of society, creating jobs and fostering a more diversified economy. Additionally, upgrading tourism infrastructure could attract international and domestic travelers alike, offering a broader appeal and reducing the seasonal economic dependency on government migrations.
The Digital Age: E-Governance as a Solution
E-governance is rapidly transforming the way government operations are conducted globally. Digital administration tools now allow officials to monitor and manage affairs remotely, eliminating the need for physical presence in every instance. In an era where secure networks and robust cybersecurity measures can provide continuous connectivity, it makes sense for Jammu and Kashmir to pivot towards a digital approach to governance.
A digitally enabled administrative framework would allow both Jammu and Kashmir to be represented fairly, without requiring the logistical and financial burdens associated with the Darbar Move. Furthermore, it would facilitate quicker and more efficient communication, leading to faster resolution of issues across the two regions. Investing in digital infrastructure could also ensure that all citizens have equal access to government services, irrespective of their location, fostering a more inclusive and responsive governance model.
Moving Beyond Partisan Politics
The question then arises: is the Darbar Move truly about unity, or is it simply an outdated pageantry held over from a bygone era? Real unity does not come from shifting office furniture twice a year, but from fostering substantive integration through fair representation, resource allocation, and shared opportunities. Political and cultural organizations across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh must transcend partisan affiliations and develop a modern governance model that serves the people, not tradition.
While the Darbar Move was once a celebrated tradition, evolving circumstances call for an honest reevaluation. As Jammu and Kashmir undergoes socio-political reintegration, the focus must shift towards creating a governance structure that is sustainable, forward-thinking, and truly reflective of modern needs.
Time to Retire the Traveling Bureaucracy
It’s time to reconsider the Darbar Move, a costly spectacle whose relevance has waned in the face of contemporary needs. Redirecting the 200 crore rupees currently allocated to this tradition could fund projects with long-term impacts on the region’s economic and social development. By focusing on permanent infrastructure improvements, Jammu and Kashmir can achieve the unity and integration that the Darbar Move once symbolized without dragging desks and files from one capital to another.
A practical, people-centric governance model will foster unity and mutual respect, creating a modern Jammu and Kashmir that is resilient, prosperous, and inclusive. Let’s retire the traveling bureaucracy and embrace a future where governance is led by efficiency, accessibility, and real connections that transcend physical distance. In doing so, Jammu and Kashmir can usher in an era of growth and progress, where tradition meets modernity in a way that genuinely serves the people and prepares them for the future.
