Darbar move will be restored: Omar

Says Jammu has its own importance and the govt will not allow its uniqueness to diminish

- Press Trust of India

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said Jammu's uniqueness will not be allowed to diminish and asserted that his government will restore Darbar move.

Darbar move, an age-old practice under which the civil secretariat and other government offices used to function six months each in Srinagar and Jammu during summer and winter, respectively.

The practice, introduced by Dogra rulers nearly 150 years ago, was stopped by Lt governor Manoj Sinha in June 2021, citing administration's complete transition to e-office which could help save ₹200 crore per year.

However, the decision came up for sharp criticism from various quarters, including Jammu business community and politicians, who termed the exercise as a bond between the two regions.