Govt to dole out policy to attract private investments in higher education

Srinagar, Mar 7: The government on Friday said that it will roll out a policy to attract private investments in higher education.
Chief Minister (CM) Omar Abdullah in his Budget 2025-26 speech said, “Our Government will roll out a policy to attract private investment in higher education.”
“Efforts will be made to encourage renowned private universities to establish satellite campuses in J&K, creating large-scale education and employment opportunities for the youth,” Omar said.
In the budget session, the CM further announced that for the School and Higher Education sectors, a capital expenditure allocation of Rs 1,388.97 crore has been made for 2025-26, reflecting an increase of Rs 242.75 crore over the revised allocation of 2024-25.
The CM on the occasion further said the government is committed to strengthening early childhood education by developing 15,000 pre-primary schools with an enrolment target of 1.80 lakh children.
“To enhance research and quality education, we are leveraging technology and digitization through smart classrooms, Atal Tinkering Labs, and digital resources. Additionally, 600 ICT Labs, 2,000 Smart Classrooms, and 500 Atal Tinkering Labs are being set up to foster innovation and improve the overall educational ecosystem,” Omar said in his speech.
He further said, “Under the PM-SHRI scheme, 396 schools in Jammu & Kashmir have been approved for upgradation to enhance educational infrastructure. To achieve universal education, 46,000 out-of-school children have been identified, enrolled, and mainstreamed. Special emphasis is being given to girls’ education, along with improving punctuality and discipline among teaching staff.” (KNO)