J&K Assembly rejects Waheed Para’s Sheikh-ul-Alam University Bill for Pulwama

Srinagar, Mar 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday rejected the Sheikh-ul-Alam University, Pulwama Bill, 2025, a private member’s bill moved by PDP MLA Waheed Para proposing the establishment of the region’s first private university in Pulwama.

The bill sought to set up a residential and technical university aimed at offering higher education across multiple streams, with funding proposed through surplus resources of the Kashmir Educational Foundation. It was introduced as Private Members’ Bill No. 9 of 2025.

However, the government, led by Education Minister Sakina Itoo, opposed the proposal, citing policy and procedural concerns. During the proceedings, Para repeatedly urged the House to take up the bill for consideration, stressing the need for enhanced higher education infrastructure in south Kashmir.

The members of the ruling National Conference opposed the bill, leading to a vote against it. The bill was subsequently rejected.