Chief Minister Omar Abdullah received a warm reception at the Civil Secretariat Srinagar today 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, 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, 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 Chief Minister 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.
Later Omar chaired a high-level meeting to outline the governance roadmap for the next six months.
The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat, was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister 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.
Addressing the meeting, Omar 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,” the Chief Minister said.
He emphasized that the coming six months represent the most productive period of the year, with favorable weather conditions enabling maximum execution of development works. He 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 asserted.
Calling for synergy between elected representatives and the administrative machinery, Omar urged officers to prioritize 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 Chief Minister said that the Darbar period in Srinagar coincides with critical events, including the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra and the peak tourism season. He stressed 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,” he said.
Referring to the recently concluded budget session, the Chief Minister said the Government now has a clear roadmap of commitments to fulfil. He called for efficient utilization of resources, timely execution of projects, and minimizing lapses in funds utilization.
“If we work with focus and coordination, we can end these six months with far greater optimism and satisfaction than we began with,” he added, extending his best wishes to officers for the months ahead.
During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister, Ministers and Advisor to the Chief Minister 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 Chief Minister, Council of Ministers and senior officers back to Srinagar and briefed the meeting on administrative preparedness.
The Chief Secretary concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment, under the guidance of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to efficient governance, seamless coordination and effective delivery during the crucial six-month Darbar period in Srinagar
“Best Foot Forward” Needed in Tourism and Pilgrimage Management: CM
