The Omar Abdullah government has introduced a 25 per cent reservation for local residents in private higher education institutions.
The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday notified rules under a 2026 Act to allow the establishment of private universities in the region, according to Telegraph India.
The Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Rules, 2026, mandate that these institutions reserve at least 25 per cent of all student seats, teaching positions, and non-teaching roles for people domiciled in the territory.
The new framework includes a time-bound process for applications. The government must conduct a preliminary scrutiny within 30 days, after which an expert committee will perform a detailed examination.
The education minister is required to make a decision within 30 days of receiving the committee's recommendations. A regulatory authority, led by a retired IAS officer, will oversee these institutions.
The rules also establish penalties for violations. Institutions making admissions in breach of the Act will be fined twice the fee charged to the student. If a university collects fees exceeding the amount approved by the government or the regulator, the penalty will be three times the excess amount collected.
