JAMMU, Nov 2: Welcoming the reopening of the Civil Secretariat and other government offices in Jammu under the traditional Darbar Move arrangement, J&K Apni Party Provincial President Manjit Singh on Monday said that the restoration of the historic administrative practice must translate into tangible economic benefits, employment opportunities and accelerated development for the people of the Jammu region.
Addressing a meeting of aggrieved people in Jammu, Manjit Singh said that the resumption of administrative functioning in the winter capital was a welcome development, particularly for the business community, traders, transporters, hoteliers, shopkeepers and other sections whose economic activities are closely linked with the seasonal movement of government employees and officials.
He said that the Darbar Move was not merely a ceremonial shifting of government offices between Jammu and Srinagar but an important administrative and economic arrangement that historically strengthened relations between the two regions and provided livelihood opportunities to thousands of people in Jammu.
“The restoration of the Darbar Move was a long-standing demand of the people of Jammu, particularly the business community, which suffered considerably after its discontinuation in 2021. Its revival has raised expectations, and the government must ensure that these expectations are fulfilled through concrete measures rather than allowing the exercise to remain limited to the reopening of offices,” he said.
Manjit Singh observed that the movement of government employees and their families generates economic activity across several sectors, including accommodation, hospitality, transport, retail trade, food businesses and other allied services.
He added that the benefits extend beyond Jammu city to adjoining commercial areas and service providers.
He urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to ensure that the winter Secretariat functions effectively from Jammu and that ministers, administrative secretaries and senior officers remain accessible to the public.
He said that the Darbar Move should provide an opportunity for people from Jammu to directly approach the administration, get their pending grievances addressed and seek timely resolution of their developmental and administrative concerns.
The Apni Party leader further stressed that Jammu should not be treated merely as a temporary winter seat of administration but must receive its due share in development, infrastructure, investment, tourism promotion and employment generation.
“Jammu has legitimate aspirations and cannot be expected to remain satisfied with the seasonal shifting of government offices alone. The people want equitable opportunities, stronger infrastructure, industrial growth, tourism development and a responsive administration. The government must demonstrate through its policies that Jammu’s interests and concerns receive equal importance,” he asserted.
He also called for strengthening public services and improving road connectivity, sanitation, traffic management and civic infrastructure in Jammu city to accommodate the increased administrative activity during the winter months.
Manjit Singh said that the historical significance of the Darbar Move, introduced by the Dogra rulers in 1872, lies in its role in maintaining administrative connectivity between the two regions.
He said that its continuation should reinforce regional harmony, mutual respect and balanced development rather than become a subject of political controversy.
He maintained that Apni Party would continue to raise the genuine concerns of the people of Jammu and advocate policies ensuring equitable development and equal opportunities for both regions.
“The Darbar Move should bring the government closer to the people of Jammu, strengthen the local economy and restore public confidence in the administration. Jammu deserves not just a seasonal presence of the government but sustained attention, respect and its rightful place in the development priorities of Jammu and Kashmir,” Manjit Singh added.