Calls it a decisive step toward realising Sher-e-Kashmir’s vision of making J&K as an education hub of South East Asia
Srinagar, 07 Apr: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary and Member of Rajya Sabha, Chowdry Muhammad Ramzan Tuesday welcomed the passage of the Private Universities Bill, 2026 in the J&K Legislative Assembly, terming it a landmark legislative reform poised to redefine the higher education landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement issued from the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha, Choudhary Ramzan underscored that the bill represents a paradigm shift toward strengthening academic infrastructure, fostering institutional diversification and catalyzing knowledge-driven economic growth.
He noted that the initiative will significantly curb the outward migration of local students by enhancing access to quality higher education within the region, thereby ensuring both talent retention and financial recirculation in the local economy.
“This progressive legislation will serve as a cornerstone for developing Jammu and Kashmir into a premier educational hub,” he said adding, “By facilitating the establishment of private universities, we are expanding the academic ecosystem, promoting interdisciplinary learning, and creating avenues for research, innovation, and skill development.”
Highlighting the historical legacy of Kashmir as a center of intellectual and cultural excellence, he said, “From times immemorial, Kashmir has been a vibrant nucleus of literary and scholarly pursuits in Asia. This initiative has the potential to restore that legacy and reposition the region as a beacon of academic distinction and cultural enlightenment.”
Choudhary further emphasized the bill’s multiplier effect on employment generation, noting that the establishment of private universities will create substantial opportunities across teaching, non-teaching, administrative, and technical domains. “This will not only enhance employability but also stimulate localized development in areas where these institutions are established, contributing to inclusive growth and regional equity,” he added.
Commending the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, he described the passage of the bill as a milestone achievement aligned with the broader vision of transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a knowledge economy. He also recalled the enduring vision of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, who aspired for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to lead in education and intellectual advancement across South and Southeast Asia. “This measure is a decisive step toward realizing that vision. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Education Minister Sakina too for ushering in this forward-looking reform,” he said.
