Kashmir’s Civil Society welcomes the passage of J&K Private Universities Bill
Srinagar, April 04: Kashmir’s Civil Society leaders have welcomed the passage of the Jammu & Kashmir Private Universities Bill, describing it as a historic and long-awaited reform that addresses a critical gap in the region’s higher education ecosystem.
The leaders noted that for years, the absence of a legislative framework for private universities had contributed to a steady outflow of students from Jammu & Kashmir, along with significant financial burden on families. “Thousands of students have been compelled to leave the region in search of quality higher education, leading to both brain drain and capital outflow. This Bill creates the foundation to reverse that trend,” the said.
The statement further emphasised that the new framework has the potential to enable institutions that go beyond conventional degree-based education and focus on skill development, innovation, research and emerging disciplines aligned with global trends such as artificial intelligence, data science, sustainability, and interdisciplinary learning.
“A university is not merely an academic space – it is an economic driver. It generates employment, stimulates local enterprise, attracts investment, and fosters innovation ecosystems. The impact of this legislation will extend far beyond classrooms,” the statement added.
The leaders also highlighted the potential for ancillary development in sectors such as healthcare and research, noting that private universities across India have often played a key role in establishing medical colleges, teaching hospitals, and advanced research centres.
The leaders expressed their readiness to engage constructively with all stakeholders in contributing to the development of a robust higher education ecosystem in the Union Territory.
Dr Mehboob Makhdoomi (Founder, WathHarbor Foundation), G N Var, Founding President Private Schools Association J&K and Chairman Coaching Centres Association, S.P Qaisar, eminent consultant, Ishfaq Zehgeer, Chairman Education Committee Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Qazi Tauseef, KTMF, Dr Touseef Bhat, prominent Socio environmental Activist & industrial consultant, Prof Nighat Fatima, Educationist, Dr Afifa Kamili (WathHarbor Member), Dr. Kaiser Makhdoomi, Academician, Prof Gh Nabi Dar (WathHarbor Member), Prof Mohd Maqbool Parray, Nasir Khuehami, J&K Students Association National Convenor, Dr Sajad Athar Director MTM Group, Peer Imtiyaz, President Batamaloo Traders Association and others briefed the media
