J&K Education Minister Sakeena Itoo Outlines Multi-Crore Plan to Boost Jammu University Offsite Campuses
Jammu, February 18, 2026 — Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo, today affirmed the government’s dedicated focus on augmenting faculty and infrastructure across the operational offsite campuses of the University of Jammu.
Responding to a query by Legislator Dr. Sunil Bhardwaj in the Legislative Assembly, the Minister detailed a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the academic and administrative frameworks of campuses located in Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Reasi, Ramnagar, Kathua, and Poonch.
To support these goals, the Higher Education Department has allocated a consolidated Grant-in-Aid of ₹260 crore to the University of Jammu for the 2025-2026 financial year.
While this funding is released in a lump sum to allow the University autonomy in internal apportionment, the Minister emphasized that the primary objective remains the equitable expansion of higher education and the optimal utilization of resources across the region.
The Minister further highlighted that the department is currently examining a formal proposal for the creation of key leadership and teaching positions, including Rectors, Directors, and additional faculty, specifically for these functional offsite locations.
Beyond physical expansion, the government is pushing for a shift toward innovative pedagogical practices, including the phased adoption of smart classrooms, digitization of records, and a robust research culture. Minister Itoo assured the House that strict adherence to the approved Academic Calendar and periodic monitoring of the teaching-learning process are being prioritized to benefit the student community.
During the session, supplementary concerns raised by Legislators Daleep Singh Parihar, R.S. Pathania, Balwant Singh Mankotia, and Shakti Raj Parihar regarding local campus needs were addressed, with the Minister reiterating that strengthening the Ramnagar and other regional hubs is essential for balanced academic growth in Jammu & Kashmir.