JKSA Hails ₹50 Crore Allocation for National Law University in J&K, Calls It a Historic Move
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Friday expressed its gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for allocating ₹50 crore to establish a National Law University (NLU) in the region. This decision marks a historic step toward advancing legal education in Jammu and Kashmir, which has long lacked a specialized institution of this stature, unlike other states that already have premier NLUs.
JKSA National President Ummar Jamal in a statement welcomed the move, emphasizing the urgent need for an NLU in J&K. He stated that the association had been advocating for this for years and had submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister just a few months ago, urging the government to take decisive action. He lauded Omar Abdullah’s for addressing this long-pending demand.
He further highlighted that the absence of a dedicated law university has forced aspiring law students to migrate to other states, leading to significant financial burdens and limiting their opportunities. With the establishment of an NLU, J&K will finally be on par with other states that already house premier legal institutions. This move will not only improve the quality of legal education but will also nurture a new generation of lawyers, judges, and policymakers from within the region, fostering a strong legal ecosystem.
Jamal stressed that the allocation of ₹50 crore will help create a world-class institution equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern teaching methodologies, and access to top legal scholars and professionals. He pointed out that existing law programs at the University of Kashmir and the University of Jammu lack advanced facilities and practical exposure, often relying on outdated teaching methods that emphasize theoretical knowledge while neglecting crucial practical skills such as mooting, debating, and internships. The establishment of an NLU will bridge this gap, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive legal education that prepares them for the evolving demands of the profession.
He said that, Association has played a crucial role in advocating for this initiative through sustained efforts, including media publications, opinion pieces, and public statements in platforms and National Publications. The association has consistently highlighted the necessity of an NLU in J&K and has engaged in policy discussions to push for its establishment. The association now urges the government to expedite the process, ensuring that the allocated funds are utilized effectively and that the university becomes operational at the earliest.
JKSA National Spokesperson, Farhat Riyaz, in a statement said that establishment of the NLU will be a transformational step in positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for legal scholarship and research. It will provide aspiring law professionals with the necessary resources, faculty, and opportunities to compete at national and international levels.
It will contribute to strengthening the region’s judicial and governance systems by producing well-trained legal minds, she added.
