CM Omar Abdullah reviews Darbar Move arrangements; convoy to leave for Jammu on Oct 31, Nov 1

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 13 (STC): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday directed officials to ensure adequate transport, security, accommodation and healthcare facilities for employees shifting to Jammu as part of the Darbar Move 2026-27, with the official convoy scheduled to travel on October 31 and November 1.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review preparations for the biannual administrative exercise, Abdullah stressed coordinated efforts among departments to ensure the smooth movement of government offices, employees and equipment from Srinagar to Jammu.
The Chief Minister directed the Managing Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) and the Traffic Department to arrange sufficient buses and organise the convoy over two consecutive days to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of employees.
He asked the departments concerned to maintain close coordination to prevent inconvenience and delays during the transition.
The meeting reviewed security arrangements, traffic management along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and residential accommodation for employees relocating to Jammu.
The CM directed the Police Department and other security agencies to ensure adequate security measures, particularly in residential areas where government employees would be accommodated.
Officials informed the meeting that medical facilities would be available along the convoy route, with doctors, paramedical staff and ambulances deployed in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions to respond to emergencies.
The Chief Minister also reviewed arrangements for essential services, food, hospitality and public convenience facilities along the route.
He directed the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, to examine traffic management within the city, particularly around major residential areas, and identify suitable locations for food and washroom facilities for employees and officials travelling with the convoy.
The meeting also discussed the functioning of the Winter Secretariat in Srinagar, which will continue operating with a minimal staff presence after the shifting of government offices to Jammu.
He directed the General Administration Department (GAD) to issue monthly rosters for Ministers and Administrative Secretaries who would remain available at the Winter Secretariat, beginning in November.
In another direction, the Chief Minister ordered that special casual leave be granted to Kashmir-based employees shifting to Jammu in connection with the Darbar Move.
Officials informed the meeting that a formal order regarding the special casual leave would be issued shortly.
Earlier, Commissioner Secretary, GAD, M. Raju, gave a detailed presentation on transport arrangements and logistical preparations for the movement of the Darbar Move convoy.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Estates, Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department, Ashwini Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta, Administrative Secretaries, Inspector General of Police, Traffic, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Jammu, Director Information and other senior officers.
Jammu-based officers participated through video conferencing.
Describing the Darbar Move as a distinctive administrative tradition of Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah called for meticulous planning and effective coordination among departments to ensure the safety and convenience of employees.
He directed officials to complete all necessary arrangements in advance so that government functioning could commence in Jammu without disruption following the move.
(Straight Talk Communications I Inputs from KNS)