Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday welcomed the passage of the Private Universities Bill in the Legislative Assembly, describing it as a milestone for the youth of the Union Territory.
“The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has passed the Private Universities Bill today, marking a significant step towards shaping a brighter future for our youth,” the Chief Minister said.
The House passed the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026 (L.A. Bill No. 08 of 2026). Highlighting its broader vision, Omar Abdullah said the legislation would open new avenues for quality higher education within the Union Territory, reduce the need for students to move outside for studies, and attract reputed institutions to set up campuses in J&K.
He said the move reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening academic infrastructure, fostering innovation, and creating a vibrant ecosystem for learning and research.
The Chief Minister added that the passage of the Bill marks a decisive step towards positioning Jammu and Kashmir as an emerging hub of higher education and academic excellence.
Earlier, on the concluding day of the Budget Session, the Bill was moved for consideration and passage by Education Minister Sakeena Itoo. The Speaker later put the Bill to a voice vote, following which it was passed by the House.
The Legislative Assembly also passed the Jammu and Kashmir Jan Vishwas Second (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 (L.A. Bill No. 07 of 2026).
The Bill was moved for consideration and passage by Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmed Dar on behalf of the Chief Minister.
While moving the motion, the Minister said, “A Bill to amend certain enactments, decriminalising and rationalising offences for ease of living and ease of doing business, and also to repeal certain enactments (L.A. Bill No. 07 of 2026), be taken into consideration.”
The Bill was subsequently taken up and passed by the House.
Members Nizam-ud-din Bhat, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, and Tanvir Sadiq withdrew their amendments following assurances from the Minister.
At the end of the Budget Session 2026–27, the J&K Legislative Assembly was adjourned sine die by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary and MLAs across party lines praised the Speaker for the disciplined and orderly conduct of the session.
(IANS)
