Jammu Tawi, Apr 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Saturday passed two key legislations—the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026 and the Jammu and Kashmir Jan Vishwas Second (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026.
The Private Universities Bill was moved by Education Minister Sakeena Itoo to regulate the establishment, functioning and academic standards of private universities in the Union Territory. She said the legislation aims to strengthen the higher education sector and reduce the need for students to move outside J&K for studies.
Several legislators, including Mir Saifullah, Nizam-ud-din Bhat, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah and Tanvir Sadiq, had moved amendments but later withdrew them following assurances from the minister. An amendment by Balwant Singh Mankotia was rejected through a voice vote before the Bill was passed.
The House also cleared the Jan Vishwas Second Amendment Bill, moved by Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmed Dar on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The Bill seeks to decriminalise and rationalise certain offences to promote ease of living and ease of doing business, while also repealing outdated provisions.
Amendments proposed by members, including Nizam-ud-din Bhat, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah and Tanvir Sadiq, were withdrawn after government assurances.
Both Bills were passed by voice vote after being put to the House by the Speaker.
