Govt to frame rules, set up Expert Committee
Proposals start reaching, told to wait for Panel
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Apr 15: Clearing decks for setting up of Private Universities for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has given assent to `The Jammu and Kashmir Universities Bill, 2026′ passed by the Assembly on last day of the budget session i.e. April 4.
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The LG has also cleared `The Jammu and Kashmir Jan Vishwas Second (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026.
Official sources told the Excelsior that the LG’s assent to both the bills has reached the Government and now the stage has been set for framing Rules for setting up of Private Universities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for the first time which will give further boost to education.
The Private Universities Bill was brought in the Legislative Assembly by Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, who also holds charge of Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had appreciated the Minister for bringing the bill. The House passed the legislation unanimously.
“With assent to the bill, the Education Ministry will now frame rules for setting up of the Private Universities as per the bill passed by the House. Once the rules are out, the process for giving approvals to the groups seeking to set up Private Universities in Jammu and Kashmir will be initiated,” the sources said.
They disclosed that already some bodies have approached the Government for setting up Private Universities with their proposals but they have been asked to wait for framing of rules and setting up of Expert Panel and then send their applications.
The body desirous of setting up a Private University must submit an application to the Government, including an outline of the purpose and vision of the proposed institution, a detailed project report, and a non-refundable application fee not exceeding Rs 25 lakh, as prescribed by rules.
The Government will now constitute an Expert Committee headed by the Administrative Secretary of Higher Education to examine the applications. A Regulatory Authority will oversee private universities, ensuring compliance with the law, conducting inspections, advising the Government, handling complaints, and recommending action against violators, the sources said.
A group or body can set up a Private University in J&K only if it has been registered for at least three years, has education as its primary objective, possesses sound finances and clean credentials, and holds lawful possession of adequate land and facilities. It has to appoint qualified faculty, maintain proper infrastructure, and comply with Government and UGC regulations.
The Private University has to be the unitary type with its main campus in Jammu and Kashmir. The Varsity may establish constituent colleges, regional centres, additional campuses, and study centres at such places in J&K as deemed fit, subject to UGC and other regulatory norms.
Meanwhile, `The Jammu and Kashmir Jan Vishwas Second (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, also assented by the Lieutenant Governor will decriminalize and rationalize offences for ease of living and ease of doing business. It also aims at ensuring the compliance of Business Reforms Action Plan agenda to reduce the compliance burden on businesses, promote ease of doing business and ease of living.
The legislation will decriminalize minor offences across various laws to reduce the compliance burden on businesses, promote ease of doing business and living. It was prepared inter alia amending 18 Acts of Jammu and Kashmir to substitute minor imprisonments by compounding of fine and also to increase fine, where meager fine has been provided for violations, and no revision of same was effected till date.
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