Jammu, April 26 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday interacted with a senior delegation of education sector representatives in Bengaluru, an official said.

The Chief Minister highlighted the opportunities created by the recently notified Jammu and Kashmir Private University Act.

Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, senior officers, and several education representatives were present during the interaction.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah invited institutions to invest in the higher education sector and partner in positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a vibrant academic hub.

The Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026, was passed by the Union Territory’s Legislative Assembly during the recent Budget Session.

Cutting across party lines, the legislation was widely hailed as a landmark step in the history of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Bill has since received assent from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, becoming an Act.

Highlighting the significance of the new framework, the Chief Minister said it opens up substantial opportunities for reputed institutions to establish campuses in Jammu and Kashmir, fostering a modern, inclusive and globally competitive higher education ecosystem.

Emphasising the Jammu and Kashmir government’s commitment to facilitating quality investments in the education sector, Omar Abdullah invited leading institutions to partner in shaping the region’s academic future.

He reiterated that the administration is focused on providing a transparent, enabling and investor-friendly environment aimed at attracting students, scholars and research collaborations from across the country and beyond.

The Chief Minister on Saturday held meetings with Karnataka filmmakers in Bengaluru to invite them to Kashmir for outdoor locale shooting.

He highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s unparalleled natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, ranging from serene valleys and snow-clad mountains to vibrant traditions and local craftsmanship.

“The government will extend full support and a friendly, enabling environment for artists. The government is committed to make filmmaking in Jammu and Kashmir easier and more accessible,” the Chief Minister told the filmmakers.

–IANS

sq/khz