The Jammu and Kashmir government has allocated ₹50 crore to establish a National Law University (NLU) in the region.
Announced in the latest budget by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, this decision fulfils a long-pending demand for a premier legal institution in J&K.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has welcomed the move, calling it a historic milestone for legal education in the region.
JKSA national president Ummar Jamal has praised the decision.
In a statement, Jamal said the association had been advocating this for years and had even submitted a memorandum to the chief minister a few months ago, urging the government to act.
“The absence of a dedicated law university has forced aspiring law students to move to other states, leading to financial burdens and fewer opportunities,’’ he said. “Now, with an NLU in J&K, students will no longer have to leave their home state for quality legal education.”
Also read
- Child finds 'Chinese' gun-mountable scope from garbage bin in Jammu and Kashmir, probe on
- How the Indian Army, BSF are keeping vigil as intel suggests Pak terrorists may use Jammu’s dense fog for cover
- J&K hydel project row: Nov 1 police letter claims 29 with 'terror or criminal' links were hired at Ratle
He said unlike many other states that already have prestigious NLUs, Jammu and Kashmir lacked a specialised institution of this kind.
He said establishing an NLU will enhance legal education and develop a new generation of lawyers, judges, and policymakers, strengthening the region’s legal system.
He said ₹50 crore allocation will help create a world-class university with modern infrastructure, advanced teaching methods and access to top legal scholars and professionals.
He said the current law programmes at the University of Kashmir and the University of Jammu lack practical exposure and advanced facilities.
“Teaching is mostly theoretical, with little focus on mooting, debating, and internships,’’ he said.
JKSA national spokesperson Farhat Riyaz called the move a transformational step for Jammu and Kashmir.
“This will make the region a centre for legal scholarship and research, providing aspiring lawyers with the resources, faculty, and opportunities to compete at national and international levels,” she said.
She said a stronger legal education system will improve J&K’s judicial and governance structures by producing well-trained legal professionals.
With this initiative, Jammu and Kashmir move closer to matching other states in legal education, creating new opportunities for students and strengthening its place in the national legal landscape.
