Private Universities Act 2026: Civil Society Hails ‘Historic Reform’ In Jammu Kashmir’s Higher Education  | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Civil society groups, in collaboration with the WathHarbor Foundation, on Saturday welcomed the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Act Bill, describing it as a historic and long-awaited reform aimed at addressing critical gaps in the region’s higher education sector.

Addressing a press conference, participants said the legislation marks a significant step toward expanding academic opportunities within Jammu & Kashmir and is expected to strengthen educational infrastructure, research capacity and the region’s knowledge-based economy.

Mehboob Makhdoomi, Founder of WathHarbor Foundation, termed the enactment a progressive move, noting that the absence of a structured legislative framework for private universities had, for years, compelled thousands of students to pursue higher education outside the Union Territory.

He said this trend led to intellectual migration and financial strain on families, adding that the new law lays the foundation for reversing it by enabling reputed institutions to establish campuses within JK.

“Modern universities function as knowledge hubs that promote research, innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science and sustainability studies,” Makhdoomi said, adding that the move would generate employment, attract investment and contribute to socio-economic growth.

GN Var, Founding President of the Private Schools Association JK and Chairman of the Coaching Centres Association, welcomed the initiative of the Jammu Kashmir Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, along with members of the Legislative Assembly who supported the Bill.

He also appreciated Gulmarg MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah for his role in advocating education-related reforms in the Assembly.

Var described the legislation as a milestone in the region’s educational journey, reflecting a progressive vision comparable to reforms introduced by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, which laid the foundation for expanding access to education in Jammu & Kashmir.

SP Qaisar, an eminent consultant, said the Act would provide a structured regulatory framework ensuring transparency, accountability and academic excellence, while encouraging credible institutions to establish campuses in the region.

Representing the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ishfaq Zehgeer said the development would boost economic growth, attract investment and support innovation-led enterprises. Qazi Touseef of KTMF also welcomed the move, stating that a robust higher education ecosystem would strengthen the business environment and support sustainable economic expansion.

Touseef Bhat, a socio-environmental activist and industrial consultant, highlighted the potential of private universities in advancing research and promoting sustainability studies, adding that academic institutions could contribute to evidence-based policymaking.

Educationist Prof Nighat Fatima said the Act would expand access to specialised and research-driven courses while fostering collaboration between academic institutions and industry to improve student employability.

Afifa Kamili of WathHarbor Foundation noted that improved laboratory infrastructure, faculty exchange programmes and international collaborations would enhance the quality of higher education in the region.

Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, said the establishment of private universities within JK would reduce the need for students to move outside the region, easing financial burdens on families while creating a more supportive academic environment locally.

He added that the presence of reputed institutions would promote research-based education, enhance skill development and open new career pathways for youth.

Civil society representatives said the passage of the Jammu Kashmir Private Universities Act Bill 2026 marks the beginning of a significant transformation in the higher education landscape of the Union Territory.

They emphasised that the focus should now shift to establishing credible, inclusive and high-quality institutions aligned with the long-term educational and economic aspirations of Jammu Kashmir.

Participants also expressed commitment to engaging with policymakers, academic experts and industry stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the Act and the development of a transparent, accountable and future-ready higher education ecosystem.