Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 4: Civil society members and education stakeholders today said that the newly passed Jammu & Kashmir Private Universities Bill is expected to significantly reduce student migration from the Union Territory by expanding access to quality higher education within the region.
Addressing a press conference here, representatives of civil society and the WathHarbor Foundation described the legislation as a long-awaited reform aimed at addressing the outflow of students to institutions outside J&K due to limited local options.
Dr. Mehboob Makhdoomi, Founder of WathHarbor Foundation, said the absence of a structured framework for private universities had “compelled thousands of students to move outside Jammu & Kashmir in pursuit of quality higher education, leading to intellectual migration and financial strain on families.”
“With this Bill, we expect that trend to reverse as credible institutions will establish campuses within the region, making quality education accessible locally,” he said.
Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the J&K Students Association, termed the move a “major relief” for students.
“Local access to quality higher education will reduce the compulsion to migrate outside J&K and ease the financial burden on families,” he said, adding that it would also create a more supportive academic environment.
G.N. Var, Founding President of the Private Schools Association J&K, described the Bill as a “historic milestone” and appreciated the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for introducing the legislation.
He said the policy would “strengthen academic infrastructure, improve quality standards and expand opportunities for students to pursue higher education within their home region.”
Eminent consultant S.P. Qaisar said the legislation would provide a structured regulatory framework ensuring transparency, accountability and academic excellence, while encouraging credible institutions to set up campuses in J&K.
Representatives from industry bodies also welcomed the move. Ishfaq Zehgeer of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry said private universities would boost economic growth, generate employment and support innovation-led enterprises, while Qazi Touseef of the KTMF said stronger higher education infrastructure would enhance the business ecosystem.
Participants said the Bill marks the beginning of a major transformation in J&K’s higher education landscape and stressed the need for its effective implementation.
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