Jammu and Kashmir Revives 150-Year-Old Darbar Transfer After Four-Year Hiatus

The century-old Darbar Transfer system — an administrative tradition in Jammu and Kashmir where the government shifts between Jammu and Srinagar with the changing seasons — has been revived after a four-year suspension. The practice, paused in 2021 due to financial concerns, resumes this winter, marking a return to one of India’s oldest bureaucratic customs.

Historic Tradition Returns

The Darbar Transfer, also known as the “Darbar Move,” dates back to 1872 when Maharaja Gulab Singh, the first Dogra ruler of the erstwhile princely state, introduced it to ensure effective governance across the diverse terrains of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. Under this system, Srinagar served as the summer capital while Jammu became the winter capital, allowing administrators to stay accessible to citizens in both regions despite harsh weather and poor connectivity.

Administrative Shift for Winter 2025

As per the latest government order by Commissioner Secretary M. Raju, all offices in Srinagar, including the Civil Secretariat, will close after working hours on October 31 and reopen in Jammu on November 3. Alongside the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, 38 key departments—such as Revenue, Forest, Transport, and Technical Education—will relocate entirely, while 47 others will operate from temporary camps in Jammu during the winter season.

Cost and Controversy Over the Years

The Darbar Transfer, which once involved moving thousands of staff and tonnes of records between cities, has long faced criticism for its high annual cost, estimated at ₹200 crore. In 2020, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court noted that the tradition lacked legal or constitutional basis, calling it a wasteful practice. Despite this, many locals view the move as a symbolic link uniting the Union Territory’s regions and supporting Jammu’s winter economy.

Related GK Facts

• The Darbar Move began in 1872 under Maharaja Ranbir Singh, not Gulab Singh, as a means to bridge regional divides.
• It originally involved transporting official documents on horses and mules before the advent of roadways.
• Similar dual-capital systems exist in Maharashtra (Mumbai and Nagpur) and Himachal Pradesh (Shimla and Dharamshala).
• The total distance between Jammu and Srinagar is about 270 km via the national highway.

Significance and Modern Relevance

Supporters of the revived system argue that it not only maintains Jammu’s economic vitality during winters but also sustains a sense of administrative balance between the regions. As government offices prepare to reopen in Jammu in early November, the return of this 150-year-old practice reaffirms a historic blend of heritage and governance unique to Jammu and Kashmir.