From vision to reality: Ministry of Education approves ₹998.62 crore for establishment of Central University of Kashmir campus

GANDERBAL: In a significant development towards realizing its vision of a State-of-the-Art world-class university campus, the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, has approved the Revised Cost Estimate (RCE) of ₹ 998.62 Crore (Project Outlay for 2025-28 – Capital ₹ 400.80 + Recurring ₹ 146.98 = Total ₹ 547.78) for the establishment of the permanent campus of the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) at Tulmulla here.

The decision follows the recommendations of the Public Investment Board (PIB) meeting held under the chairmanship of the Secretary (Expenditure), Ministry of Finance, on 18^th of August, 2025, based on the detailed presentation made by Prof. A Ravinder Nath, Vice-chancellor, CUKashmir before the PIB. This much-awaited promise marks a major milestone in the journey of academic excellence of Central University of Kashmir and paves the way for the construction of the campus.

During the presentation, he highlighted the university's locational advantages. including its scenic setting, favourable climate, proximity to tourist destinations and access to rich bio resources. “However, the institution continues to face constraints with regard to inadequate academic and administrative infrastructure and limited visibility in national rankings,” he revealed.

He further said there exists considerable scope for institutional growth, subject to adequate financial support and by attracting eminent expertise. “The key challenges identified include the creation of requisite infrastructure, provision of facilities for newly recruited faculty and staff, and expansion of programmes in accordance with approved mandates.” The Vice-Chancellor also briefed before the committee about the chronological development of the university, since its establishment in the year 2009. He further highlighted the physical infrastructural facilities and spaces proposed, which include campus development, academic blocks, amenities, administrative buildings, central facilities, sports infrastructure, and recreational facilities and also to ensure sustainable environment with the principles of green, digital and smart campus to serve the twin objectives include creation of higher education ecosystem (provisions, persons and processes) and ensure the effective dispensing of higher education functions (academics, research and outreach).

The University’s persistent engagement with the Ministry of Education, the Department of Expenditure, and NITI Aayog ensured that the long-pending proposal was re-examined, reviewed, revised, restructured, re-presented and successfully approved.

The university addressed all the queries raised during various meetings on long-standing technical, financial, and land-related challenges that had stalled the project for nearly a one and half decade. This success endowed for effective teamwork, transparent consultations, technical diligence, and continuous follow-up with the concerned agencies, including, MoE, CPWD, NBCC, and UT administration, the university managed to secure the Ministry’s confidence and obtain approval for the RCE that many had deemed unattainable.

Project Highlights

• Total Project Cost: ₹ 998.62 crore (Capital - ₹ 517.07 Cr, Recurring - ₹481.55 Cr) which includes the expenditure (Capital - ₹ 116.27 Cr. and Recurring - ₹ 334.56 Cr = Total - ₹ 450.83 Cr) incurred since 2009 -25 besides the estimated expenditure (Capital- ₹ 400.80 Cr. and Recurring - ₹ 146.98 Cr = Total - ₹ 547.78 Cr) projected for 2025-28.
• Implementation Period: 36 months (FY 2025–28)
• Campus Location: Tulmulla, Ganderbal, Jammu & Kashmir
• Key Features: State-of-the-Art Infrastructure with the features of Green, Digital and Smart Campus with sustainable design facilities and utilities,
• Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and EPC Contract Mode to meet the time-lines.
• Innovation, Automation and Construction Management is the essential criteria for Execution of Civil Works

A New Chapter for Higher Education in J&K

With this approval, Central University of Kashmir is poised to become a hub of quality higher education and research with world class amenities for achieving academic and research excellence, contributing significantly to the educational and socio-economic development of the Union Territory. The permanent campus will cater to a wide range of disciplines, to foster innovation, incubation, inclusivity, and sustainability in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and also to fulfil the aspirations of its stakeholders for achieving Education, Employment and Entrepreneurship in the region with the inculcation of leadership values, creation of vibrant society and augmentation of country’s economy.

On behalf of the CUKashmir, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, extended gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Finance Smt. Nirmal Sitharaman, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Chief Minister and MLA Ganderbal, Jenab Omar Abdullah and his Cabinet Colleagues, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Srinagar, Jenab Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi for their support and the Officials of Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Finance, Government of India for their continued encouragement and guidance.

“This approval is not just a financial sanction—it’s a recognition of the collective perseverance and desire of local people, administration, CUKashmir faculty, staff, scholars and students. I am deeply thankful to the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India for reposing faith in our Vision and Mission in align with NEP-2020 to build an ultramodern, sustainable, innovative, inclusive and next generation university campus in the Valley.”