Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Mar 4: In a bid to transform higher education in Jammu and Kashmir, the establishment of the region’s first crowdfunded university, The University of WathHarbor, was officially announced today.
Described as a university “by the people, for the people, and of the people,” the institution will be built entirely through public support, donations, and collective effort.
At a press conference in Srinagar, the project’s founder, Dr. Mehboob Makhdoomi, emphasized that the initiative is not profit-driven. Unlike conventional private universities, The University of WathHarbor will not have individual owners but will function as a community-driven institution focused on education, research, and social upliftment.
“The university aims to provide cutting-edge education in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, equipping Kashmir’s youth with the skills needed for a competitive global job market,” he said.
Dr. Makhdoomi noted that Jammu and Kashmir currently has 150,000 students enrolled across 11 government universities, but no private university operates in the region. “As a result, thousands of students leave J&K every year to pursue higher studies elsewhere. The proposed university seeks to offer world-class education within the region, reducing the need for students to migrate for better opportunities,” he added.
To realize this vision, he urged the Jammu & Kashmir Government to support the initiative by allocating 25 acres of land on a 99-year lease at a nominal fee, following policies implemented in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. He also called for the passage of the Private University Act in J&K to provide legal backing for such institutions.
He said that the University will be built on 30 percent public funding and 70 percent stakeholders and would initially require Rs 200 crore for its establishment in any part pf Central Kashmir’s Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal districts.
Funding for the university will come from public donations, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions, and community support. The founders have urged businesses, professionals, and the Kashmiri diaspora to contribute to the initiative.
“This is not just about education; it is about self-reliance, empowerment, and shaping Kashmir’s future. We invite everyone to be part of this movement,” Dr. Makhdoomi said.
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