After a four-year suspension, Jammu and Kashmir has revived the historic “Darbar Transfer” system, a 150-year-old administrative practice where the government alternates between Srinagar and Jammu with the changing seasons. The tradition, paused in 2021 due to cost and efficiency concerns, returns this winter—marking the revival of one of India’s oldest bureaucratic customs.
A Historic Tradition Returns
The Darbar Transfer, also known as the “Darbar Move,” dates back to 1872, when Maharaja Ranbir Singh, the Dogra ruler of the erstwhile princely state, instituted it to ensure efficient governance across the region’s diverse terrains. Under this unique dual-capital system, Srinagar serves as the summer capital and Jammu as the winter capital, allowing officials to remain accessible to citizens throughout the year despite harsh Himalayan weather and challenging connectivity.
Administrative Shift for Winter 2025
According to a recent order by Commissioner Secretary M. Raju, all government offices in Srinagar, including the Civil Secretariat, will close after working hours on October 31, and reopen in Jammu on November 3.
This year’s transfer will see 38 key departments—including Revenue, Forest, Transport, and Technical Education—relocating entirely, while 47 others will operate from temporary camps in Jammu for the winter season. The Chief Minister’s Secretariat and several high-level offices will also move to the winter capital.
Cost and Controversy Over the Years
Historically, the Darbar Transfer involved shifting thousands of employees and tonnes of official records between the two cities—a process costing an estimated ₹200 crore annually.
In 2020, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court questioned the legality of the practice, calling it “wasteful” and without constitutional basis. However, many residents view the move as a symbol of unity that bridges regional divides and supports Jammu’s economy during the lean winter months.
Quick GK Facts
- The Darbar Move was started in 1872 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh, not Gulab Singh.
- Initially, documents were transported by horses and mules before modern road networks existed.
- Other Indian states with dual-capital arrangements include Maharashtra (Mumbai & Nagpur) and Himachal Pradesh (Shimla & Dharamshala).
- The Jammu–Srinagar distance is approximately 270 km via National Highway-44.
Significance and Modern Relevance
Supporters of the revived Darbar Transfer argue that the system continues to play a vital administrative and cultural role, maintaining Jammu’s winter economy while preserving a symbolic balance between the two capitals.
As government offices prepare to reopen in Jammu in early November, the restoration of this 150-year-old tradition underscores a blend of governance, heritage, and regional harmony unique to Jammu and Kashmir.