Jammu, April 16: In a major policy decision aimed at transforming the higher education landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has accorded assent to The Jammu and Kashmir Universities Bill, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of private universities in the Union Territory for the first time.
The move marks a significant step towards expanding educational infrastructure and attracting private investment in the sector.
Oficial sources told , the assent has also been granted to The Jammu and Kashmir Jan Vishwas Second (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, which seeks to decriminalize minor offences and simplify regulatory compliance to promote ease of doing business and ease of living.
With the approval of the Universities Bill, the Education Department will now frame detailed rules governing the establishment of private universities, following which an Expert Committee headed by the Administrative Secretary of Higher Education will examine proposals received from interested groups. A Regulatory Authority will also be constituted to monitor compliance, conduct inspections, and ensure adherence to UGC and government norms.
Sources said that several proposals for setting up private universities have already been received by the government; however, applicants have been advised to wait until the formal rules and regulatory framework are notified.
The legislation lays down strict eligibility criteria for sponsoring bodies, including a minimum three-year existence, strong financial background, lawful possession of adequate land, and adherence to academic and infrastructural standards.
Meanwhile, the Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill aims to rationalize penalties across multiple laws by replacing minor imprisonment clauses with monetary penalties and compounding provisions, thereby reducing the compliance burden and improving governance efficiency.
The development is being seen as a major reform initiative to modernize the education sector while simultaneously strengthening regulatory ease in the Union Territory.
