Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Saturday passed the Private Universities Bill that deals with the establishment and incorporation of private institutions in the Union Territory.
The bill moved by Education Minister 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 (L.A. Bll No. 08 of 2026).”
Speaking in the House, Itoo said the government has taken into consideration all the issues and concerns regarding the higher-education sector before formulating the bill.
“This bill will pave the way for establishing private universities and boost the higher-education sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Numerous students of Jammu and Kashmir will be benefitted by this as they used to go outside the Union Territory for higher education,” the minister said.
MLAs Mir Saifullah, Nizam-ud-din Bhat, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah and Tanvir Sadiq had moved amendments on the bill but later withdrew their amendments on assurances from the government.
Legislator Balwant Singh Mankotia had also moved an amendment, which was rejected through a voice vote.
The Speaker put the bill to a voice vote and subsequently, it was passed.
The Legislative Assembly also passed the Jammu and Kashmir Jan Vishwas Second (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 (L.A. Bill No. 07 of 2026).
The bill was moved for consideration and passing by Minister for Agriculture Javid Ahmed Dar on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
While moving the motion, the minister said, “A Bill to amend certain enactments, decriminalising and rationalising offences for ease of living and ease of doing business, and also to repeal certain enactments (L.A. Bill No. 07 of 2026), be taken into consideration.”
The bill was subsequently taken up for consideration and passing by the Speaker before the House and was passed.
Members Nizam-ud-din Bhat, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah and Tanvir Sadiq withdrew their amendments following assurances from the minister.
