Jammu & Kashmir's Legislative Overhaul: Boosting Business and Education

The Jammu and Kashmir government introduced bills in the legislative assembly focusing on decriminalizing certain offences to boost business and establishing private universities. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo spearheaded these efforts, while the Lt Governor assented to additional legislation passed by the assembly.

The Jammu and Kashmir government made significant legislative strides on Thursday with the introduction of two key bills in the assembly. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tabled a bill aimed at decriminalizing specific offences to bolster the ease of doing business in the region.

Simultaneously, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo introduced a legislation to facilitate the establishment and incorporation of private universities. This move is geared towards enhancing academic standards and safeguarding educational quality for students in the Union Territory.

In a related development, the assembly received information that Lt Governor Manoj Sinha approved three more bills. These include the Jammu and Kashmir Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, and others aimed at eliminating discrimination against individuals affected by leprosy, with new provisions for the state civil courts.

(With inputs from agencies.)