NLU Jammu & Kashmir likley to Function from April 2026; Confirms CM Omar
Jammu and Kashmir is set to get its first National Law University (NLU), with classes likely to begin next academic year in a rented building at Budgam. The 50 crore rupees project aims to boost legal education in the region.
J&K to Get First National Law University:
The
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
on Thursday said the first National Law University (NLU) in the state is expected to begin
classes from
the next academic session, probably in
April 2026
, in a rented building at Budgam. The announcement came during the J&K Assembly after Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat moved a resolution for the establishment of the NLU in Srinagar and stated that funds for the project have already been sanctioned. The resolution was passed unanimously by voice vote, with a majority of the MLAs standing in support of the motion, but with BJP members refusing to support and sign the resolution.
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Omar Abdullah said that, 'There is nothing in the resolution that is worth opposing' and reminded the House that he had made the announcement of the NLU in his budget speech in March, with an allocation of Rs. 50 crore for this important project. Responding to the question about the site of the university, Omar said the NLU will be set up in Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of whether the site is in Srinagar or Jammu. “Such an institution can not be set up overnight. It calls for very detailed planning and consultation with coordination among stakeholders, including the Chief Justice of J&K and the Bar Council of India”. Though the building of permanent infrastructure for the main campus will take time now, the government intends to hold classes in leased premises beginning the next academic year. He mentioned that an unused Software Technology Park at Ompora in Budgam is being considered as a temporary campus till the permanent campus is built.
However, the announcement drew criticism from BJP leaders, who said that Omar Abdullah was violating the Model Code of Conduct since Budgam was going to the polls on
November 11
. BJP Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma described the statement as politically motivated and intended to influence the poll atmosphere. BJP candidate Agha Syed Mohsin from Budgam also complained to the Election Commission, seeking action against the Chief Minister.
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Despite the political controversy, the establishment of Jammu and Kashmir National Law University is an important step for the higher education system of the state. Once operational, the NLU is expected to provide world-class legal education and open new avenues for interested law students in the field.
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