The stand taken by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to restore Darbar move seems to be a strange stance as going back in time is not at all advisable, when the things could be accomplished easily and cheaply without facing any fear of disruption in services or loss of resources.
It is pertinent to mention that Darbar move, an age-old practice under which the civil secretariat and other government offices used to function six months each in Srinagar and Jammu during summer and winter, respectively was introduced by Dogra rulers nearly 150 years ago and was stopped by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha in June 2021, citing administration’s complete transition to e-office which could help save Rs 200 crore per year. The Jammu Kashmir High Court had already made adverse observations against this wastage of public money which could be used for the common good. Those who opposed this move mainly include the business communities of both Jammu and Srinagar cities as stopping this practice of shifting offices twice a year has badly affected their trade.
Although this used to be the unique practice adopted by any administration in the entire world but taking things rationally, the exercise has lost its relevance in today’s world when the internet has become all powerful, and physical presence is no longer a necessity to accomplish official jobs. With the full majority on his side, CM Omar can do anything and everything by powers vested to him by the constitution but logically taking the matter into consideration, there is no fun in going ‘reverse’ in this matter as administratively the end of Darbar move has made no difference in functioning of the government.
The Darbar move used to cost the J&K government over Rs 200 crore annually, involving ferrying official files and personnel between Srinagar and Jammu twice a year. This surely was a wasteful exercise at a time when digital communication and cloud-based file sharing have become a commonplace and people prefer doing things online instead of going to offices or places physically.
All said and done, the continued expenditure on such a move appears absurd. The cost of shifting offices, security arrangements, and transportation could be better spent on development initiatives in the region. The funds saved by discontinuing the Darbar Move could be redirected into local businesses, particularly in the Valley and Jammu regions.
Organizing shopping Melas, promoting local industries, and fostering tourism would create more sustainable economic growth, benefiting people in both regions. The CM’s desire to restart the move raises questions about his commitment to fiscal prudence and modern governance. Shouldn’t the focus be on moving J&K forward, rather than moving it back in time?
