SRINAGAR: Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, Peoples Democratic Party leader and MLA from Pulwama, on Monday expressed disappointment over the rejection of the proposed Sheikh-ul-Alam University Bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
Speaking in the House, he said the Bill (No. 9 of 2025), which sought to establish the region’s first private university in Pulwama, was turned down despite his repeated attempts to have it considered.
Para stated that the proposal was rejected by the government led by the Education Minister, while legislators from the National Conference voted against it during the proceedings.
Emphasising the need for private educational institutions, he said Jammu and Kashmir currently does not have any private universities, unlike other parts of the country where more than 500 exist. He added that a large number of students from the Union Territory are compelled to pursue studies outside, facing financial, safety and logistical challenges.
He stressed that setting up quality institutions within the region is essential to ensure accessible education and enable local students to pursue their academic goals without having to leave Jammu and Kashmir.
