J&K Budget Session 2026: Minister Sakeena Itoo Introduces Private University Bill and Launches Digital Building Permission Portal

JAMMU | APRIL 02, 2026In a significant legislative move during the ongoing Budget Session, Minister for Education Sakeena Itoo today introduced a landmark bill in the Legislative Assembly aimed at transforming the higher education landscape in the Union Territory.

Titled the “Bill for the Establishment and Incorporation of Private Universities in Jammu and Kashmir,” the legislation (L.A. Bill No. 08 of 2026) seeks to create a robust framework for private higher education while strictly enforcing academic standards to safeguard quality and protect student interests.

The bill, which has already been gazetted, is expected to invite private investment into the education sector and broaden the academic opportunities available to local students.

Simultaneously, representing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during a Calling Attention Motion, Minister Itoo informed the House of major governance reforms within the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD).

As part of the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) and Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) initiatives, the government has transitioned to a new, fully functional online portal (https://obps.jk.gov.in) for seamless building permission applications.

The Minister highlighted that the system now utilizes “Auto DCR” technology for automated plan scrutiny, requiring applications to be submitted by Registered Technical Persons (RTPs).

Despite initial delays during the transition, Itoo confirmed that 99 RTPs are now registered across J&K, the system has stabilized, and the first 11 applications are currently under process, marking a shift toward end-to-end digital transparency in urban governance.