Winter Secretariat to Continue Functioning in Srinagar; Monthly Duty Rosters for Ministers, Administrative Secretaries to Be Introduced
Special Casual Leave for Kashmir-Based Employees; Security, Highway Traffic, Medical Assistance and Accommodation Arrangements Reviewed
Srinagar, October 13 :
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed the concerned departments and security agencies to finalise arrangements for the upcoming Darbar Move, with the convoy carrying government employees and official belongings scheduled to proceed to Jammu in two phases on October 31 and November 1, 2026.
The directions were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on Tuesday to review preparations for the 2026–27 winter Darbar Move. The meeting focused on ensuring the safe transportation of employees, effective traffic regulation, security along the National Highway and adequate accommodation and essential facilities for personnel shifting to Jammu.
The government has also decided to continue operating the Winter Secretariat in Srinagar with a reduced staff strength. Monthly duty rosters will be prepared for ministers and administrative secretaries assigned to the Srinagar Secretariat to ensure the continued availability of senior functionaries in the summer capital.
JKRTC, TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT ASKED TO ENSURE SMOOTH CONVOY MOVEMENT
The Chief Minister directed the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) and the Traffic Department to make adequate transportation arrangements for government employees travelling to Jammu.
The employee convoy will operate in two phases on October 31 and November 1, with all concerned departments instructed to coordinate their efforts to avoid inconvenience during the movement of personnel and official belongings.
Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD), M. Raju, briefed the meeting on the proposed transportation plan and other logistical arrangements required for the exercise.
Omar Abdullah stressed that preparations should be completed in advance to ensure the orderly movement of employees and the smooth transition of administrative offices to Jammu.
SECURITY ALONG NATIONAL HIGHWAY, RESIDENTIAL AREAS UNDER REVIEW
Security arrangements along the National Highway and in residential areas designated for government employees in Jammu were reviewed during the meeting.
The Police Department and other security agencies were directed to put in place appropriate measures to ensure the safety of employees throughout the journey and during their stay in Jammu.
Traffic management within Jammu city was also discussed, particularly around major residential colonies and routes likely to witness increased movement during the Darbar Move.
The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, was asked to assess traffic requirements and identify suitable locations along the convoy route for food, refreshments, washrooms and other essential public convenience facilities.
MEDICAL TEAMS, AMBULANCES TO BE POSITIONED ALONG ROUTE
The meeting reviewed arrangements for providing immediate medical assistance to employees and officials travelling as part of the Darbar Move convoy.
Healthcare facilities will be organised at designated locations in both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions, with doctors, paramedical personnel and ambulances to be deployed to respond to medical emergencies during the journey.
The Chief Minister also reviewed arrangements relating to accommodation, food, hospitality and other essential services required by government employees relocating to Jammu for the winter months.
WINTER SECRETARIAT TO REMAIN OPERATIONAL IN SRINAGAR
The Chief Minister reviewed the functioning of the Winter Secretariat in Srinagar and directed the General Administration Department to ensure that the arrangement remains effective following the Darbar Move.
Under the proposed system, the Secretariat will operate with a limited staff presence, while monthly duty rosters will be issued for ministers and administrative secretaries assigned to Srinagar.
The rosters are intended to facilitate the availability of designated ministers and senior administrative officers in Srinagar and maintain continuity in the disposal of official work.
The arrangement will begin in November, according to the details discussed during the meeting.
SPECIAL CASUAL LEAVE FOR KASHMIR-BASED EMPLOYEES
The Chief Minister also directed the authorities to grant special casual leave to Kashmir-based government employees travelling to Jammu in connection with the Darbar Move.
Officials informed the meeting that a formal order regarding the leave arrangement would be issued shortly.
The decision is aimed at facilitating employees participating in the administrative transition and ensuring that the arrangements are implemented in a coordinated manner.
TOP ADMINISTRATIVE, POLICE OFFICIALS ATTEND MEETING
The high-level review meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretary, Estates, Shaleen Kabra; Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department, Ashwini Kumar; and Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta.
Administrative secretaries, the Inspector General of Police, Traffic, Jammu and Kashmir; Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu; Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Jammu; the Director of Information; and other senior officers were also present.
Officers stationed in Jammu participated in the meeting through video conferencing.
CM EMPHASISES COORDINATED PREPARATIONS
Concluding the review, Omar Abdullah directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination and complete the necessary arrangements well before the scheduled dates.
He stressed the importance of ensuring safe transportation, effective security, uninterrupted medical assistance, suitable accommodation and other essential facilities for employees moving to Jammu.
The Chief Minister underlined the need for a smooth administrative transition while ensuring that government functioning continues without disruption during the Darbar Move.(KNC)