Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's announcement of the revival of the Durbar Move after a four-year hiatus has stirred both nostalgia and controversy across Jammu and Kashmir. The century-old bi-annual practice - where the government alternates its seat between Srinagar and Jammu - was halted in 2021 by the Lieutenant Governor's administration, which cited cost, efficiency, and technological advancement as reasons to end it.

The Chief Minister has said that the cabinet has approved the decision and that the file has received the LG's nod. The move fulfils a key National Conference election promise to“restore the full Durbar Move” and“enhance the unity of state.” While the decision appeals to sentiment and symbolism, it also raises questions about priorities in an age of digital governance and fiscal constraint.

Historically, the Durbar Move, introduced by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1872, served a practical purpose. It ensured the presence of the administration in both provinces at a time when harsh winters and poor connectivity made year-round governance from one capital impossible. But today, much has changed. Roads, air travel, and communication technology have transformed accessibility. The introduction of the e-office system has allowed both secretariats to function simultaneously, making the physical movement of records and personnel largely redundant.

When the practice was abolished in 2021, the administration argued that ending the Move would save nearly ₹200 crore annually - money that could be redirected toward welfare and development. The Jammu and Kashmir High Court, in a 2020 ruling, had described the Durbar Move as a“wastage of resources” and“an inefficient and unnecessary activity”, urging the government to invest the savings in healthcare, education, and employment instead.

Supporters of the revival, however, see the Durbar Move as more than bureaucratic symbolism. For them, it represents emotional and cultural continuity - a shared rhythm between the two regions. The physical movement of government, they argue, reinforces the idea of administrative equity between Jammu and Kashmir.

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