Sakina Itoo introduces ‘J&K Private Universities Bill, 2026’

Jammu, Apr 2: Minister for Education Sakeena Itoo Thursday introduced “The Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026” in the Legislative Assembly.

The Bill, (L A Bill No 08 of 2026) providing for the establishment and incorporation of Private Universities in Jammu and Kashmir and for ensuring academic standards to safeguard quality education and protect the interests of students, has already been published in an extraordinary issue of the Official Gazette.

Further elaborating the objective behind the bill, it was stated -it was expedient to provide for the establishment of Private Universities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to supplement the efforts of the Government in promoting higher education and it was necessary to establish a framework for the governance, management and regulation of Private Universities to ensure maintenance of standards and quality education. “It is desirable to protect the interests of students studying in Private Universities and to prevent commercialisation of education,” it has been pointed out.

As per the statement of objects and reasons, spelt out by the Minister for Higher Education, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing a growing demand for quality higher education. With the limited capacity of Government universities, there is a need to encourage the establishment of private universities to supplement the efforts of the government in promoting higher education and to provide more opportunities for the youth of the region.

“At the same time, it is essential to put in place a robust regulatory framework to ensure that private universities maintain academic standards, protect the interests of students, and do not indulge in commercialisation of education. This Bill seeks to provide for the establishment of Private Universities by sponsoring bodies that meet the specified criteria, establish a Regulatory Authority to oversee the functioning of Private Universities,” the Minister specified.

The Bill, as per the Minister, also seeks to prescribe the governance structure of private universities to ensure accountability; mandate compliance with UGC regulations and academic standards; provide for reservation of seats for local students and scholarships for the needy; prohibit capitation fee and other malpractices; provide for inspection, monitoring and penalties for non-compliance and ensure protection of interests of students in case of dissolution of a private university.

“The Bill will create an enabling environment for the establishment of quality private universities in Jammu and Kashmir, while ensuring that the interests of students and the quality of higher education are safeguarded,” the Minister spelt out.

Notably, many legislators brought private members bills and resolutions seeking the establishment of private universities in J&K during the current budget session, citing various reasons yet they either withdrew following the government’s assurance to bring a comprehensive bill or faced rejection, when pressed.