Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather Defends Darbar Move Return as Secretariat Begins Operations in Jammu Jammu and Kashmir government operations resumed from Jammu under the 154-year-old bi-annual tradition, with Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather calling its revival a step taken for public aspirations. Administrative operations across Jammu and Kashmir officially resumed from Jammu on Monday, marking the completion of the seasonal transition of government offices from Srinagar. Marking the opening day at the civil secretariat in the winter capital, legislative assembly speaker Abdul Rahim Rather stated on November 2 that the decision to reinstate the bi-annual transfer mechanism in 2025 was driven directly by the wishes and expectations of the local populace. A 154-Year Administrative Practice Started in 1872 The practice of shifting key government offices and personnel between the two capital cities dates back 154 years. Introduced in 1872 by the Dogra rulers, this bi-annual exercise was designed to run governance from Srinagar during the summer season and from Jammu during the winter stretch. In 2021, the administration led by the Lieutenant Governor decided to halt this long-standing arrangement. However, in October 2025, the government headed by Omar Abdullah reversed that cessation and restored the biannual administrative shift. Fulfilling Regional Expectations Across Both Divisions Speaking to journalists inside the legislative assembly premises in Jammu, Rather remarked that the shifting of offices represents an established system rather than an unfamiliar experiment. Acknowledging that the transition had remained suspended for a brief interval before its formal revival last year, he emphasized that government machinery served the people in Kashmir for a full six-month stretch and will now dedicate the identical duration to serving residents across the Jammu region. Rather stressed that this historic governance rhythm has effectively catered to both divisions for decades and will continue to function in the public interest. Legislative Experience and the Upcoming Budget Session Looking ahead to the upcoming legislative agenda, Rather expressed total confidence in the orderly conduct of the budget session scheduled early next year. Citing his legislative track record spanning four decades, he explained that steering parliamentary proceedings presents no unfamiliar hurdles. He highlighted that during the preceding budget session, legislators across every political formation, including opposition benches, were given ample scope to voice their constituency issues and viewpoints, leading to widespread member satisfaction regarding the overall management of house proceedings. Expectations from the Expanded Council of Ministers Addressing the induction of four new ministers into the council of ministers, the assembly speaker outlined his expectations from the leadership team. Rather noted that both newly inducted and seasoned members within the ministerial ranks are counted upon to deliver governance strictly aligned with the core demands, development aspirations, and interests of the citizens. What this means for you The resumption of government machinery from Jammu directly influences regional administration and citizen access to top state offices for the winter season. • Across India: The institutional continuity of managing administrative parity between two key regions serves as a significant administrative signal. It illustrates how regional traditions and local governance demands are handled in the union territory. • In Jammu and Kashmir: Residents across the Jammu division will now enjoy direct access to top administrative departments and civil secretariat officers without traveling to Srinagar. Over the next six months, local citizens and delegations can resolve regional grievances and pursue high-level approvals locally. • For Legislative and Budget Proceedings: The upcoming budget session early next year offers elected legislators an institutional floor to debate public spending and local development schemes. Seamless conduct of the assembly ensures budget approvals and public schemes progress without disruptions. • For Ministerial Accountability: With four new ministers entering the cabinet, key portfolios will run their operational oversight directly out of the winter secretariat. Citizens engaging with administrative departments can expect departmental directives to emanate from Jammu offices. Why this happened The bi-annual shifting of the secretariat originated as a response to seasonal weather extremes and regional equity, leading to its recent political reinstatement based on local demands. • Historical and Climatic Drivers: Dogra rulers established this bi-annual tradition in 1872 to navigate severe winter conditions in the Kashmir valley while maintaining continuity in Jammu. This system allowed governance to operate efficiently across both geographic zones during distinct seasons. • Administrative Halting and Cabinet Reversal: The Lieutenant Governor-led administration stopped the practice in 2021, ending the seasonal shifting of departmental operations. In October 2025, the newly formed government under Omar Abdullah restored the 154-year-old mechanism in response to persistent public sentiment. • Balancing Regional Representation: Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather clarified that the system guarantees equal governance attention across both divisions. Running six months of governance in Srinagar followed by six months in Jammu restores active civil access for residents in both territories. Questions & Answers 1. When and by whom was the Darbar Move originally initiated? The 154-year-old Darbar Move practice was initiated in 1872 by the Dogra rulers. 2. How does the Darbar Move system operate? Under this system, the Jammu and Kashmir government shifts its capital and key administrative offices between Srinagar and Jammu every six months. 3. When was the practice discontinued and subsequently restored? The Lieutenant Governor-led administration stopped it in 2021, and the government led by Omar Abdullah restored it in October 2025. 4. What explanation did Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather offer for its revival? Rather stated that resuming the Darbar Move in 2025 was undertaken strictly in response to public aspirations and demands. 5. What expectations did the Speaker outline for the forthcoming budget session? Drawing on his four decades of legislative experience, Rather expressed complete confidence in conducting a smooth and inclusive session early next year. 6. What did Rather say about the four new ministers in the government? He expressed confidence that both new and seasoned ministers will perform their duties in accordance with public needs and aspirations. https://trendkia.com/en/national/jammu-se-kamakaja-shuru-hote-hi-vidhanasabha-adhyaksha-abdul-rahim-rather-ne-darabara-muva-ki-vapasi-para-rakhi-bata-54997 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.