On Monday, the biannual darbar move officially resumed in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah taking the ceremonial guard of honour from the Jammu and Kashmir Police. This marks the return of a tradition that had been suspended since June 2021, when the administration of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha halted it, citing the need for a digital e-office system and the associated resource savings of approximately ₹200 crore annually. Abdullah, accompanied by cabinet members and senior bureaucrats, interacted with employees who relocated from Jammu. He stated, “The darbar move is more than just a shifting of files; it is a symbol of our unity and bridge between the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” The practice, initiated in 1872 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh, is viewed as essential for regional integration, and its revival is a significant political win for the National Conference party, which has included it in their 2024 election manifesto. The current version of the darbar move incorporates modern adjustments, such as a 33% staff cap and increased reliance on digital files, while still emphasizing the importance of a physical government presence in Srinagar.