Assembly passes J&K Private Universities Bill

Jammu, Apr 4: The House Saturday passed the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026 (L.A. Bll No. 08 of 2026) on establishment and incorporation of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Bill moved by Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo read, “A Bill to provide for the establishment and incorporation of Private Universities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and to regulate their functioning, management, and academic standards for ensuring quality education and protecting the interests of students”.
Speaking regarding the Bill, the Education Minister said that the Government has taken into consideration all the issues and concerns regarding Higher Education sector in Jammu and Kashmir before formulation of this Bill. She further said that this Bill will pave way for establishing Private Universities and will boost the Higher Education sector here. She added that numerous students of Jammu and Kashmir will be benefited by this as they used to go outside J&K for achieving Higher education.
Legislators, Mir Saifullah, Nizam-ud-din Bhat, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah and Tanvir Sadiq had moved amendments on the Bill. These Legislators withdrew their amendments after assurances by the Education Minister.
Legislator Balwant Singh Mankotia had also moved an amendment, which was rejected through voice vote.
Later, the Speaker put the Bill to voice vote, and subsequently it was passed.
Meanwhile congratulating Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo, and all stakeholders, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday described the passage of J&K Private Universities Bill as a milestone moment for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has passed the Private Universities Bill today, marking a significant step towards shaping a brighter future for our youth,” the Chief Minister said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026 (L.A. Bill No. 08 of 2026).
Highlighting the broader vision behind the legislation, Omar Abdullah said the Bill will open new avenues for quality higher education within the Union Territory, significantly reduce the need for students to move outside for studies, and attract reputed institutions to establish campuses in J&K.
He emphasised that the move reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening academic infrastructure, fostering innovation, and creating a vibrant ecosystem for learning and research.
He said the passage of the Bill marks a decisive step towards positioning Jammu and Kashmir as an emerging hub of higher education and academic excellence.
Earlier, on the concluding day of the Budget Session, the Bill was moved for consideration and passing by Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo.
The Speaker later put the Bill to voice vote, following which it was passed by the House.