Hemani Kandhari
Jammu, 4 April , 2026: In the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo tabled the Private Universities Bill, seeking to provide a legal framework for the establishment and incorporation of private universities in the Union Territory. The Bill also aims to regulate their functioning, management, and academic standards to ensure quality education and safeguard the interests of students.
During the discussion, several members proposed amendments to the Bill. However, most legislators chose to withdraw their suggested changes after assurance by the government. The only amendment that was pressed for consideration came from Balwant Singh Mankotia. He proposed that at least 75 percent of the teaching faculty in private universities should be domiciles of Jammu and Kashmir, and that only residents of the Union Territory should be eligible for appointment as non-teaching staff.
The amendment sparked debate in the House, with some members expressing concerns over employment opportunities for local residents, while others cautioned against imposing rigid conditions on private institutions. When the amendment was put to an oral vote, it failed to secure sufficient support and was consequently rejected.
Responding to the discussion, Minister Itoo maintained that the objective of the Bill is to attract quality institutions while maintaining regulatory oversight. The Minister further assured the House that the legislation is flexible and can be amended in the future if needed.
She also invited Members of the Legislative Assembly to submit their suggestions, stating that practical and feasible recommendations would be considered for inclusion at an appropriate stage, while those not viable at present could be revisited later.
Following the rejection of the amendment and completion of discussions, the Private Universities Bill was passed by the J&K Assembly Passes Private Universities Bill; Domicile-Based Amendment Rejected.
