Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. SRINAGAR: Civil Society, in collaboration with WathHarbor Foundation, has welcomed the passing of the Jammu & Kashmir Private Universities Act Bill, describing it as a historic and much-needed reform aimed at addressing a long-standing gap in the J&K’s Private higher education sector. Addressing a press conference here, members stated that the landmark legislation marks a significant step toward expanding academic opportunities within Jammu & Kashmir and is expected to play a transformative role in strengthening the region’s educational infrastructure, research capacity and knowledge-based economy.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Mehboob Makhdoomi (Founder, WathHarbor Foundation) stated that the enactment of the Private Universities Act Bill marks a progressive step toward strengthening the private education sector in Jammu & Kashmir. He observed that for many years, the absence of a structured legislative framework for private universities had compelled thousands of students to move outside Jammu & Kashmir in pursuit of quality higher education, leading to both intellectual migration and financial strain on families. He emphasised that the new law lays the foundation for reversing this trend by enabling reputed local institutions to establish campuses within the region, thereby expanding academic opportunities locally.
Dr. Makhdoomi added that modern universities are not confined to traditional classroom learning but function as knowledge hubs that promote research, innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development aligned with emerging global disciplines such as artificial intelligence, data science, and sustainability studies. He stated that the establishment of private universities would create local employment opportunities, encourage investment, strengthen innovation ecosystems and contribute to the overall socio-economic growth of Jammu & Kashmir.
G.N. Var Founding President Private Schools Association J&K and Chairman Coaching Centres Association,welcomed the initiative of the Jammu & Kashmir Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Education Minister Ms. Sakeena Itoo and all Members of the Legislative Assembly who supported this historic bill.
He also expressed special appreciation for MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah for strongly supporting the bill and for consistently raising important discussions on education within the Assembly. Var conveyed gratitude for his constructive role in strengthening the education sector and promoting policies that expand opportunities for students.
He described the passage of the Private Universities Act Bill as an important milestone in the educational journey of the region, reflecting a progressive vision similar in spirit to the educational reforms initiated by Shere-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, founder of the National Conference and popular leader of J&K, who introduced landmark education reforms in the early years of his governance, laying the foundation for expanding access to education across Jammu & Kashmir.
Var stated that this forward-looking policy will strengthen academic infrastructure, create healthy competition, improve quality standards and expand opportunities for students to pursue advanced studies within their home region.
S.P. Qaisar eminent consultant stated that the legislation will provide a structured regulatory framework ensuring transparency, accountability and academic excellence. He expressed optimism that credible local private institutions will be encouraged to establish campuses in Jammu & Kashmir, enhancing the credibility and competitiveness of the region’s higher education system.
Ishfaq Zehgeer, representing the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industries (KCC&I), welcomed the development, stating that private universities will play a transformative role in boosting economic growth, encouraging investment, generating skilled employment and supporting the expansion of innovation-led enterprises across the region.
Qazi Touseef, representative of KTMF, welcomed the initiative, stating that the development of robust higher education infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir will strengthen the overall business ecosystem. He added that such universities will contribute to sustainable economic growth while creating new opportunities for local enterprises.
Dr. Touseef Bhat, Dr Touseef Bhat, prominent Socio environmental Activist & industrial consultant, expressed that private universities could positively contribute to advancing research and promoting sustainable development studies. He highlighted the constructive role academic institutions may play in supporting the region through well-informed, research-driven policy recommendations.
Prof Nighat Fatima, Educationist, highlighted that the introduction of private universities will broaden the scope of specialized courses, particularly in research-driven disciplines, professional education and skill-oriented programmes. She emphasised that collaboration between academic and industry would help students gain practical exposure and improve employability prospects.
Dr Afifa Kamili Member, WathHarbor Foundation observed that private universities act can play a vital role in strengthening research culture and academic innovation. She stated that improved access to modern laboratories, faculty exchange programmes and international collaborations would significantly enhance the quality of higher education in Jammu & Kashmir.
He emphasized that the policy will particularly benefit students from economically weaker backgrounds by expanding access to diverse educational opportunities.
Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Jammu Kashmir Students Association, welcomed the initiative, stating that the establishment of private universities within Jammu & Kashmir will significantly benefit local students by expanding access to diverse academic programmes and modern learning opportunities within the region.
He observed that this development will reduce the compulsion for students to migrate outside J&K for higher education, ease the financial burden on their families and create a more supportive academic environment closer to home.
Khuehami further stated that the presence of reputed institutions will enhance skill development, promote research based education and open new pathways for career growth among the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Civil Society and other members of the WathHarbor Foundation stated that the passage of the Jammu & Kashmir Private Universities Act Bill 2026 marks the beginning of an important transformation in the higher education landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.
Members emphasised that the priority should now be to establish local credible, inclusive and high-quality institutions aligned with the long-term educational, social and economic aspirations of Jammu & Kashmir.
Civil society representatives expressed their commitment to constructive engagement with policymakers, academic experts and industry stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of the Act leads to the development of a transparent, accountable and future-ready higher education ecosystem capable of empowering students and supporting sustainable growth in the region.
Participants who attended the press conference physically and virtually included: Dr Mehboob Makhdoomi (Founder, WathHarbor Foundation), G N Var, Founding President Private Schools Association J&K and Chairman Coaching Centres Association, S.P Qaisar, eminent consultant, Ishfaq Zehgeer, Chairman Education Committee Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Qazi Tauseef Representative of KTMF, Dr Touseef Bhat, prominent Socio environmental Activist & industrial consultant, Prof Nighat Fatima, Educationist, Dr Afifa Kamili (WathHarbor Member), Dr. Kaiser Makhdoomi, Academician, Prof Gh Nabi Dar (WathHarbor Member), Prof Mohd Maqbool Parray, Nasir Khuehami, J&K Students Association National Convenor, Dr Sajad Athar Director MTM Group, Peer Imtiyaz, President Batamaloo Traders Association and others briefed the media
The participants deliberated on the significance of the Jammu & Kashmir Private Universities Act Bill and highlighted its potential to strengthen higher education, promote research and innovation, enhance skill development and contribute to long-term economic progress in Jammu & Kashmir.
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness profoundly shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at In Loving Memory · Dr. Priya Ranjan
When he appointed me Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor, he never treated me as an employee, but as a younger brother, offering warmth, trust, respect and invaluable guidance. I will always be grateful for his faith in me, his encouragement and the lessons he shared.
Dr. Ranjan was a rare and noble soul—humble, compassionate, intellectually brilliant and always willing to help others. A visionary thinker, he believed in using knowledge and abilities to make a meaningful difference. His influence lives on through the people he guided, the work he inspired and the countless lives he touched.
For me, he will always be the elder brother who believed in me and guided me with affection. I will cherish his kindness and lessons forever. May his soul rest in eternal peace. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
(Ajmer Alam Wani)
