By Sameer Ahmad
Amid cheers, garlands, and bustling city streets, Jammu rolled out a warm welcome for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as the traditional Darbar Move marked the official opening of offices in the winter capital. Arriving at Shaheedi Chowk, the CM was greeted by traders, citizens, and civic associations who lined the route to Raghunath and City Chowk, celebrating the return of the government to Jammu after four years. Later, at the Civil Secretariat, Omar inspected a ceremonial parade and chaired a high-level meeting, urging officials to turn plans into visible results and ensure efficient governance through the winter months.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday was accorded a rousing reception by the people of Jammu on the first day of opening of offices in Jammu. The biannual Darbar Move, to be followed now onwards, marks the formal opening of offices in the winter capital.
As per the day’s schedule, the Chief Minister arrived at Shaheedi Chowk, Jammu at 9:15 AM, where he was warmly received and felicitated by the Jammu Chamber of Commerce, Residency Road and Rajinder Bazar Associations.
Thereafter, the Chief Minister walked towards Raghunath Bazar Chowk via Residency Road, greeting traders and citizens who lined the route to extend greetings and best wishes on his arrival.
At Raghunath Bazar Chowk, Omar Abdullah was felicitated by the Raghunath Bazar Association before proceeding on foot towards City Chowk, where he was received by members of the City Chowk Bazar and Kanak Mandi Bazar Associations.
Later, the Chief Minister was received at the Civil Secretariat, where he was presented with a Guard of Honour, marking the opening of offices as part of the traditional Darbar Move.
The Chief Minister inspected the ceremonial parade and interacted with officers and staff on the occasion.
Following the ceremonial reception, Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting with the Council of Ministers and Administrative Secretaries to get an update on the functioning of various departments and assess the administrative preparedness following the move.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister described the restoration of the Darbar in Jammu after a gap of four years as “a welcome experience” that has infused a wave of enthusiasm and happiness across the city and its adjoining areas.
He, however, underlined the challenges ahead, noting that the government is now at a crucial juncture where “actual ground delivery is expected.”
“All planning and discussion phases have been completed. It is now time to translate the decisions into tangible outcomes on the ground,” Omar Abdullah emphasised.
The Chief Minister directed all departments to focus on the timely implementation of projects already sanctioned and approved, ensuring visible progress at the grassroots level.
Acknowledging the financial constraints being faced, Omar Abdullah assured that the matter of limited resources “will be appropriately addressed.” He called for a balanced approach, urging officers to “ensure effective delivery while simultaneously curbing unnecessary expenditure.”
The Chief Minister also informed that a series of district-level review meetings have already been conducted in the Kashmir province and that similar interactions will now be initiated across the Jammu division to assess developmental progress and address public issues.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commended all departments for their coordinated efforts in ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the recently concluded Assembly session.
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