149-year old Darbar Move ends in J&K

Govt cancels residential accommodation of employees in twin capitals

Jammu: Days after Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had announced an end to this age-old practice, the administration on Wednesday cancelled residential accommodations of ”darbar move” employees in Jammu and Srinagar.

As per an order issued by the Commissioner Secretary, Estates Department, M Raju, the officials have been asked to vacate their quarters in the twin capital cities within three weeks.

LG Sinha on June 20 had announced that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has completely transitioned to e-office, thereby ending the practice of the biannual ”darbar move”.

The order further said that sanction has been accorded to the cancellation of allotment of residential accommodation of officers and officials in Srinagar and Jammu.

“Now both the Jammu and Srinagar secretariats can function normally for 12 months. This will save the government Rs 200 crore per year, which will be used for the welfare of the deprived sections,” Sinha had said.

The practice, under which the administration used to function in Jammu during the six months of winter and in Srinagar during the summer season, was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1872.

The order also said the officers and officials would vacate their government-allotted residential accommodation in the twin capital cities within 21 days.

Employees from Jammu had been allotted residential accommodation in Srinagar and those from Srinagar in Jammu. (UNI)

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