Omar Abdullah set to vacate historic J&K CM office in Delhi amid administrative reforms

7 Akbar Road reassigned as J&K CM’s office moves to New Delhi’s Lodhi Estate

JAMMU: In a recent development, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is expected to vacate the Jammu and Kashmir CM office in New Delhi.
As per the sources , the Centre has issued a directive requiring Abdullah to vacate the office-cum-residence at 7 Akbar Road, a property traditionally designated for the use of Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Ministers when in Delhi.
This shift stems from the recent reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory (UT), changing the dynamics around the use and allocation of official spaces in the capital.
The background of this office dates to when the Ministry of Urban Development allotted the property to facilitate the work of Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Ministers while in Delhi.
Initially, former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had advocated for this arrangement, citing the challenges faced by state leaders without a designated base in the capital.
Azad argued that having a permanent office-cum-residence in Delhi was essential for the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, given the frequency with which state matters required their presence at the Centre. This led to the allocation of 7 Akbar Road as a dedicated space for official and residential use by Jammu and Kashmir's leaders.
Over the years, the office at 7 Akbar Road served several prominent figures. Apart from Ghulam Nabi Azad, leaders like Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah, and the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed utilized the residence to conduct official affairs, particularly during Jammu and Kashmir's years as a state.
Even after Jammu and Kashmir’s transition to a Union Territory, the property continued to see use; both former Governor Girish Chandra Murmu and current Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha used the space for administrative purposes.
However, there were exceptions, such as former Governor Satya Pal Malik, who opted not to use the 7 Akbar Road residence during his tenure.
The Centre's latest decision reallocates 7 Akbar Road to the general pool, indicating its future assignment to a Union Minister rather than the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
This reallocation represents a shift in protocol following Jammu and Kashmir’s reclassification as a Union Territory, thus no longer necessitating a dedicated office-cum-residence for a state chief minister in Delhi.
In light of these changes, the Centre has proposed a new residence for the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir at 83 Lodhi Estate, which is currently undergoing renovations to meet the requirements for official use.
According to sources, during a recent visit to Delhi, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the new site at 83 Lodhi Estate to assess the progress of renovation work.
This relocation reflects the broader administrative restructuring following Jammu and Kashmir's status change, aligning the UT’s representation with that of other Union Territories, which do not maintain dedicated properties in New Delhi for their heads of government.
The reallocation of 7 Akbar Road underscores the Centre's efforts to streamline property assignments in line with the current political framework, ensuring efficient use of resources while accommodating the structural changes in Jammu and Kashmir’s governance.
Once renovations are complete, the office at 83 Lodhi Estate will provide the updated base for conducting Jammu and Kashmir’s official business in the capital.

Updated On 11/4/2024 3:36:25 AM