Srinagar, May 4: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah received a warm reception at the civil secretariat in Srinagar on Monday as offices reopened in the summer capital.
He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour on the occasion.
The Darbar Move, which was resumed last year in Jammu, marks the restoration of a key governance tradition in Jammu and Kashmir, with the civil secretariat shifting in full to the summer capital after several years.
On his arrival, CM Omar inspected the parade and received his first guard of honour in Srinagar following the resumption of the Darbar Move in October last year under his leadership.
He was received by his cabinet colleagues, the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and other senior civil and Police officers.
The reopening of offices in the summer capital signifies the formal commencement of the administration’s functioning in Srinagar for the season, underscoring continuity in governance and institutional tradition.
Later, the CM toured various floors and sections of the civil secretariat to take stock of functioning and facilities.
He inspected the chambers of ministers and administrative secretaries, clerical halls, and the renovated public waiting hall at the main gate.
During the visit, he was accompanied by Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Estates Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Director Estates Kashmir Muhammad Ashraf Hakak, SP Security civil secretariat, and other concerned officers.
On the occasion, CM Omar also interacted with officers, staff, and members of the public, assuring them of improved facilities to further streamline and enhance public service delivery.
He also chaired a high-level meeting to outline the governance roadmap for the next six months.
Addressing the meeting, the CM described the occasion as a significant milestone, noting that this was the first full-fledged Darbar Move to Srinagar after a prolonged gap.
He acknowledged the logistical challenges involved but commended departments for successfully managing the transition.
“This is the first full Darbar Move in Srinagar after a number of years. The departments navigated the transition in Jammu effectively. This time, we were better prepared, having anticipated the move six months in advance,” CM Omar said.
He said that the coming six months represent the most productive period of the year, with favorable weather conditions enabling maximum execution of development works.
The CM also lauded the Finance Department for ensuring timely completion of procedural formalities, including release of funds and approvals ahead of the working season.
“Now it is our responsibility to execute. Whether departments are under my charge or that of my colleagues, delivery will only happen if we work together. We all sit here with a shared mandate to meet the expectations of the people,” he said.
Calling for synergy between elected representatives and the administrative machinery, CM Omar urged officers to prioritise coordination.
“Within our resource constraints, we also have new avenues of funding, and support from the Government of India has enabled us to expand our delivery potential. The key takeaway from this meeting should be to find common ground and work collectively towards our goals,” he said.
Highlighting key priorities for the upcoming months, the CM said that the Darbar period in Srinagar coincides with critical events, including the annual Amarnathji Yatra and the peak tourism season.
He said that both require coordinated efforts beyond security arrangements, involving robust civil administration support.
“This is not just a working season; it is also a period that defines our governance outcomes. From tourism to pilgrimage management, we must put our best foot forward,” CM Omar said.
Referring to the recently concluded Budget session, he said the government now has a clear roadmap of commitments to fulfil.
He called for efficient utilisation of resources, timely execution of projects, and minimising lapses in funds utilisation.
“If we work with focus and coordination, we can end these six months with far greater optimism and satisfaction than we began with,” the CM said, extending his best wishes to officers for the months ahead.
The meeting, held at the civil secretariat, was attended by Deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Administrative Secretaries of key departments including Jal Shakti, PWD, Finance, Tourism and Mining, along with all Administrative Secretaries, Inspector General of Police Kashmir, and senior officers.
During the meeting, Deputy CM, Ministers, and Advisor to the CM also shared valuable inputs, feedback, and flagged key issues requiring attention particularly in respect of issuing new Industrial Policy and Mining Policy for J&K. Earlier, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo welcomed the CM, Council of Ministers, and senior officers back to Srinagar and briefed the meeting on administrative preparedness.
He said that most officers would remain stationed in Srinagar, while a roster system would ensure availability in Jammu as required. He stressed the need for proper arrangements for accommodation of Darbar Move employees, food supplies, and essential services for people.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted preparedness for flood management, particularly in view of the approaching monsoon season, urging district administrations and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to remain on high alert. He called for focused disaster mitigation efforts, especially in landslide-prone areas.
On infrastructure and services, Dulloo said that restoration works be expedited and that electricity and water supply be ensured across both Kashmir and Jammu regions. He emphasised the need for speedy implementation of decisions taken by the Council of Ministers over the past one and a half years. The Chief Secretary also urged departments to strictly implement budget announcements and proactively flag any requirements. Highlighting upcoming administrative priorities, he said that the Census process would commence with self-enumeration from May 17 to May 30, followed by subsequent phases, and called upon Deputy Commissioners and the Planning Department to play a pivotal role.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of digitisation of land records as a key governance reform measure and for implementation of agristatproject.
Dulloo reaffirmed the administration’s commitment, under the guidance of CM Omar, to efficient governance, seamless coordination and effective delivery during the six-month Darbar period in Srinagar.
