Srinagar, November 7 (KNB): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday congratulated Education Minister Shamim Firdous on the notification of the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Rules, 2026, describing the move as an important milestone in strengthening the higher education sector in the Union Territory.
The Chief Minister said the newly notified rules would facilitate the establishment of reputed national and international institutions of higher learning in Jammu and Kashmir and create wider educational and employment opportunities for local youth.
As per the new framework, 25 per cent reservation has been provided for J&K domiciles in admissions and employment. The rules also provide for streamlined approval procedures, effective regulatory oversight and stringent penalties for violations, with a focus on transparency, accountability and maintaining academic standards.
Omar Abdullah said the framework would encourage the establishment of institutions across various disciplines, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Medicine, Law, Business Studies and Liberal Arts.
He further said the initiative would advance the government’s objective of making quality higher education accessible to students within Jammu and Kashmir while developing the Union Territory as a competitive destination for higher learning and research.
The rules also introduce a regulatory mechanism to monitor the functioning of private universities and ensure compliance with prescribed academic, infrastructure and governance standards. A dedicated Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Regulatory Authority will oversee institutional compliance and take action in cases of violations.
The notification is expected to open new avenues for private investment in the education sector while ensuring that local students and qualified candidates from J&K benefit from the expansion of higher education institutions.(KNB)