Darbar Move Tradition of Jammu and Kashmir?

What is the News?

Darbar move tradition in Jammu and Kashmir discontinues from this year. The move aims to take only sensitive records from Jammu to Srinagar, starting this summer. This is a shift from previous years. Earlier, the entire administration and records would get shifted.

About Darbar Move Tradition:

• Darbar move is the name for the bi-annual shift of the secretariat and all other government offices between Jammu and Kashmir. In Summers, shifting was to take place from Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa in winters. This is done as J&K has two capitals: Kashmir during summer and Jammu during winter.

Who started the Darbar move tradition?

• Origin: IN 1872, the Dogra King Maharaja Ranbir Singh, started the Darbar move practice.
• The practice aims to take the administration to the doorstep of the people of Kashmir. The move also enabled a greater interaction and bonding among the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Criticisms of the Darbar move:

• High Cost: The Darbar move draws criticism as the government spends nearly Rs. 200 crore on this exercise every year. The amount is significant as the government does not have enough funds even to pay salary to its employees.
• Impacts Administration: The move impacts the administration as it nurtures inefficiency and leads to a lack of governance.
• Movement of Sensitive Documents: The documents and resources are put to  risk in the process of their transportation

Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) High Court on Darbar move:

1. Firstly, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court observed that there was no legal justification or constitutional basis for the Darbar Move tradition.
2. Secondly, the court said that the practice resulted in wastage of tremendous amounts of time, effort, and energy. Further, the court also held the move as inefficient and unnecessary activity.
3. Therefore, the court recommended that instead of the move, the resources and time can get utilized towards the welfare and development of the people. Also, the amount can address issues like food shortage, unemployment, and healthcare.

Source: Indian Express