Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed arrangements for the Darbar Move, the biannual shifting of Jammu and Kashmir’s capital between Srinagar and Jammu.
Abdullah chaired a meeting of senior officials and directed all concerned departments to ensure a smooth, secure and well-coordinated transition of offices from Srinagar to Jammu, along with adequate facilities for employees, official spokesperson informed.
The capital city of Jammu and Kashmir moves from Srinagar to Jammu every year in the first week of November as part of the 150-year-old practice, known as Darbar Move, which was started by Dogra Maharaja Gulab Singh.
The seat of government moves back to Srinagar in the first week of May.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary and other officers of various departments.
Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD), M Raju, made a detailed presentation on transport and logistical arrangements for the Darbar Move convoy.
The chief minister directed the Managing Director, JKRTC, and the Traffic Department to ensure adequate bus availability and organise the safe and efficient movement of employees and equipment over two consecutive days, October 31 and November 1.
He stressed close coordination among all concerned departments to ensure hassle-free transportation.
Reviewing security arrangements, traffic management along the national highway and residential accommodation for employees moving to Jammu, the CM directed the police and other agencies to put in place comprehensive security measures, particularly in residential areas where the employees would be staying.
Arrangements for essential services, food, hospitality and other facilities were also reviewed, an official spokesperson said.
The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, was asked to examine traffic management within the city, particularly around major residential areas, and identify suitable locations along the convoy route for food and public convenience facilities, including washrooms, for employees and officials undertaking the journey.
Abdullah also reviewed arrangements for the functioning of the Winter Secretariat in Srinagar, which will operate with minimal staff presence.
He directed the General Administration Department to issue monthly rosters for ministers and administrative secretaries to be stationed at the Winter Secretariat, beginning November.
The CM further directed that special casual leave be granted to Kashmir-based employees moving to Jammu in connection with the Darbar Move.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today met several delegations and individuals at the Civil Secretariat here and discussed issues relating to film promotion, industrial infrastructure, regional development, education and youth empowerment, an official press release informed.
It said Onir, filmmaker associated with Anticlock Films, Mumbai, called on the chief minister and discussed matters concerning the promotion and development of the film sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
A delegation comprising Lokesh Kumar Gupta, General Manager, IRCON, also met the chief minister and discussed possibilities for expanding IRCON International Limited’s role in industrial infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mehnaaz A.G. Nadiadwala, author, social activist and Founder and Trustee of the Mehnaaz A.G. Nadiadwala Foundation (MAGN Foundation), called on the chief minister and discussed initiatives aimed at the progress, development and welfare of the region.
A delegation led by Mudassir Mushtaq Raina, Manager Operations, Unacademy Kashmir, apprised the chief minister of the Wisdom Aptitude Talent Hunt (WATH), an educational initiative aimed at identifying, nurturing and empowering talented youth across Jammu and Kashmir.
Major General Anupinder Bevli, VSM, Additional Director General, NCC Directorate J&K and Ladakh, also called on the chief minister and expressed gratitude for the support extended by the government to the NCC Directorate J&K and Ladakh.
