New Delhi: Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, recently said Jammu’s uniqueness will not be allowed to diminish and asserted that his government will restore the Darbar move. The Darbar move is an age-old practice in which the civil secretariat and other government offices used to function six months each in Srinagar and Jammu during summer and winter, respectively.
The age-old practice has come under sharp criticism from several quarters. In 2021, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha stopped it. He cited the administration’s complete transition to an e-office, which could help save crores per year.
In this article, we will understand why Jammu and Kashmir have two capitals—Srinagar and Jammu — which are summer and winter capitals.
Why do Jammu and Kashmir has two capitals?
Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, while Jammu is the winter capital. Srinagar is situated along the Jhelum River in the Kashmir Valley. From May to October, Srinagar serves as the capital, and from November to April, Jammu takes over as the capital.
What is Darbar Move?
Darbar Move refers to the twice-a-year shift of the secretariat and other government offices in Jammu and Kashmir from one capital city to another. This practice started in 1872 under Maharaja Ranbir Singh. The State Government of Jammu and Kashmir continued this tradition even after 1952. It helped people from different languages and cultures in the region interact with each other.
Why Srinagar was chosen as the capital?
Srinagar is located in the centre of Jammu and Kashmir, making it an important place for political and strategic decisions in the state. However, in the winter, access to the city becomes difficult due to landslides that block the highways.
The capital of Jammu and Kashmir is moved to Jammu each year to ensure that business and trade continue smoothly during these months.
Srinagar is a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. The city is known for its clear lakes, temples, and mosques. Additionally, Srinagar has a strong industrial sector, with factories producing carpets, silk, copperware, silverware, and wood carvings.
Why Jammu was chosen as the capital?
Jammu is the winter capital of Jammu Kashmir and the largest city in the Jammu district. It is known as the city of temples because it has many Hindu shrines. Jammu is also the most visited place in Jammu Kashmir. It shares a border with the Samba district.
Jammu and Kashmir has two capitals: Srinagar (summer) and Jammu (winter). This system, known as the Darbar Move, involves the biannual relocation of government offices. This article explores the reasons behind the dual capital system. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
