Srinagar, Apr 15 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday ordered the annual Darbar Move of offices from Jammu to Srinagar for the Summer Season 2026, laying out a comprehensive schedule for closure, reopening, and logistical arrangements.
An official order, offices observing a five-day week will close in Jammu on April 30 after office hours, while those following a six-day week will shut on May 2. All offices are scheduled to reopen in Srinagar on May 4.
The order states that only 33 percent of staff strength or a maximum of 10 officials, whichever is less, will move in camp. The Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) has been directed to arrange sufficient buses on May 1 and May 3, with advance booking starting from April 20.
To ensure smooth transit, each convoy will be accompanied by a crane, two empty buses, and mobile workshops to tackle any breakdowns en route. Security arrangements will include escort by Jammu and Kashmir Police, with priority passage through key tunnels such as the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel and Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel.
Healthcare facilities will be set up at multiple locations along the route, including Jhajjar Kotli, Udhampur, Chenani, Ramban, Ramsu, Banihal and Qazigund, with necessary arrangements to be coordinated by the Health and Medical Education Department.
Employees have been directed not to occupy government or municipal accommodation without proper allotment. However, they may retain their Jammu accommodation for family use under prescribed norms. Ration counters will also be established in Srinagar for employees undertaking the move.
A uniform Special Move Travelling Allowance of Rs 25,000 has been sanctioned for employees shifting within the stipulated timeline. Salaries for April will be drawn in advance on April 29.
The government has stated that leave during the move period will be granted only in exceptional cases, while Jammu-based employees may avail three days of special casual leave.
The General Administration Department will oversee arrangements for the move, while departments have been directed to detach attached staff before April 27. Office timings after reopening in Srinagar will be from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM for Civil Secretariat offices and 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM for offices outside the Secretariat.(NVI)
