JAMMU AND KASHMIR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced the annual Darbar Move, directing government offices to commence their winter relocation from Srinagar to Jammu. The official reopening of these offices in Jammu is scheduled for November 2.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the General Administration Department issued Government Order No. 1664-JK(GAD) of 2026 on October 19, detailing the schedule for the transition. Offices operating on a five-day week will cease operations in Srinagar after business hours on October 30, while those following a six-day week will close on October 31.
As per the order, specific offices designated under Annexure A will undertake a full relocation to Jammu. Offices listed in Annexure B will function in a camp mode, supported by a reduced contingent of staff. The camp offices are mandated to retain 33 percent of their total staff strength or a maximum of 10 officials, whichever number is smaller, unless specific directives indicate otherwise.
Special Move Allowance and Financial Provisions
Employees participating in the Darbar Move to Jammu will receive a uniform Special Move Travelling Allowance of Rs 25,000. This allowance is contingent upon employees completing their relocation before or on the stipulated deadline. Non-gazetted employees are also eligible to receive an advance salary, with the amount to be systematically recovered in installments as per established departmental rules.
The salaries for the month of October 2026 for employees engaged in the move offices are slated to be processed and drawn on October 29. The directive also emphasizes that leave will generally not be sanctioned in conjunction with or continuation of the move period, except in highly exceptional circumstances. However, employees based in Kashmir who opt to avail themselves of the move are entitled to five days of Special Casual Leave.
Winter Secretariat and Staff Deployment
A dedicated Winter Secretariat will be established at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar to ensure the continuity of administrative functions throughout the winter period. Each administrative department is required to designate one gazetted officer and four non-gazetted officials to remain stationed in Srinagar. This deployment is subject to prior approval from the competent authority, with a directive to prioritize female employees and individuals with significant medical conditions where feasible.
Administrative departments have also been instructed to detach staff members who have been posted from subordinate offices within the Kashmir Division. This detachment process is to be completed by October 27.
Logistical and Support Arrangements
The Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) has been tasked with providing an adequate number of well-maintained buses to facilitate the transport of employees on October 31 and November 1. Advance ticket bookings will commence on October 27 at both the Civil Secretariat and the main JKRTC booking counters.
Each convoy will be equipped with a crane, two additional empty buses, and mobile workshop facilities to swiftly address any vehicle breakdowns encountered en route. The Jammu and Kashmir Police will provide security escorts for the convoys to their designated destinations, ensuring priority passage through the Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel and the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel.
The Health and Medical Education Department will coordinate the provision of medical aid facilities at key locations along the route, including Qazigund, Banihal, Ramsu, Ramban, Chenani, Udhampur, and Jhajjar Kotli, during the period of employee travel from Srinagar to Jammu. Furthermore, the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department will establish ration distribution points at strategic locations near employee residential areas in Jammu.
Office Timings and Accommodation in Jammu
Upon reopening in Jammu, the Civil Secretariat and Heads of Departments located within its premises will operate from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Heads of Departments situated outside the Civil Secretariat premises and adhering to a six-day work week will have office hours from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
The Estates Department will be responsible for allotting government accommodation to officers and officials undertaking the Darbar Move, following established procedures. Employees will be required to obtain proper allotment orders before occupying government, municipal, or any other form of residential accommodation.
The Chenab Times News Desk