Assembly Passes Private Universities Bill
KNO Special Correspondent
Jammu, Apr 04 (KNO): The Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Saturday passed the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026.
The legislation provides a legal framework for establishing private universities and regulating their functioning, management, and academic standards. The Bill was taken up for consideration and passage in the House. The bill, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), was passed by voice vote in the House.
According to the provisions, a sponsoring body can set up a private university in J&K only if it has been registered for at least three years, has education as its primary objective, possesses sound finances and clean credentials, and holds lawful possession of adequate land and facilities. The sponsoring body must also appoint qualified faculty, maintain proper infrastructure, and comply with government and UGC regulations.
The bill states that the Government may permit the establishment of a private university by any sponsoring body in the manner provided under the legislation and shall declare such establishment by notification upon satisfaction of the specified conditions.
“The Private University shall be of the unitary type with its main campus in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and shall not have power to affiliate or recognize any college or institution,” the Bill reads.
It further provides that a private university may establish constituent colleges, regional centres, additional campuses, and study centres at such places in the Union Territory as deemed fit, subject to UGC and other regulatory norms.
Any sponsoring body desirous of establishing a private university must submit an application to the Government, including an outline of the purpose and vision of the proposed institution, a detailed project report, and a non-refundable application fee not exceeding ₹25 lakh, as prescribed by rules.
The Government shall constitute an Expert Committee headed by the Administrative Secretary of Higher Education to examine applications.
The Bill states that a Regulatory Authority will oversee private universities, ensuring compliance with the law, conducting inspections, advising the Government, handling complaints, and recommending action against violators—(KNO)
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