State PCS - JAMMU & KASHMIR (JKAS)

• 21 Oct 2025

Jammu & Kashmir Revives Darbar Move

Why in News? 

After a four-year suspension, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration is set to resume the century-and-a-half-old tradition of the 'Darbar Move' this winter. 

Key Points 

• About: It is a unique practice involving the biannual shifting of the J&K's Civil Secretariat and other government offices between the two capitals: Srinagar for the summer and Jammu for the winter. 
• History & Evolution: It was instituted in 1872 by Maharaja Gulab Singh, the founder of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. His primary objective was to make the administration more accessible to the people across different regions.  
  • The practice continued after India's independence, evolving into a symbol of regional integration and shared governance between Jammu and Kashmir. 
• Interruption and Legal Scrutiny: The continuity of this tradition was broken following a significant observation by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court in 2020, which stated that there was no "legal justification or Constitutional basis" for the Darbar Move.  
  • Acting on this, the Lieutenant Governor's administration decided to end the practice in 2021, projecting an annual saving of approximately Rs. 200 crore for the government. 
• Implications of Revival: Proponents argue that it will reinforce regional parity in the Union Territory's governance structure post-Article 370 and provide a substantial boost to the local economies of Srinagar and Jammu, as the move involves significant logistical and service-based activities. 

Maharaja Gulab Singh 

• About: Became Maharaja on 16 March 1846 after the Treaty of Amritsar, establishing the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. 
  • He joined Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s court in Lahore, serving as a prominent military commander. 
• Titles and Recognition: Conferred Raja of Jammu in 1822; known as the “Jewel in the Lahore Darbar” for his military prowess. 
• Family and Legacy: Part of the renowned Dogra Trio with his brothers Dhian Singh and Suchet Singh, and a direct descendant of the Jammu ruling family.