Assembly passes key Bill paving wayfor private universities in J&K

Paving the way for the establishment of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Assembly passed a Bill that opens higher education for the private sector.
The Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026 (L.A. Bll No. 08 of 2026) passed by the house allows establishment and incorporation of private universities in J&K on Saturday.

The Bill moved by Minister for Education Sakeena Itoo reads: “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.”

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Speaking on the Bill, the Education Minister assured the house that the government has taken into consideration all the issues and concerns of the Higher Education sector in Jammu and Kashmir before formulation of the Bill, she said, will pave the way for establishing private universities which will boost the higher education sector.
Numerous students of Jammu and Kashmir, who used to go outside the Union Territory for higher education, will benefit from the move, she added.

Legislators, Mir Saifullah, Nizam-ud-din Bhat, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah and Tanvir Sadiq, who had moved amendments to the Bill, withdrew them after Education Minister’s assurances.
BJP legislator Balwant Singh Mankotia had also moved an amendment which was rejected through voice vote.
Later, the Bill was put to voice vote by the Speaker and passed.