Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on October 29 announced that the National Law University (NLU) will begin functioning in the Valley from April 2026, marking a major milestone in the region’s higher education landscape.

The announcement came as Abdullah addressed the Legislative Assembly during a discussion on a private member’s resolution moved by Congress MLA Nizam-Ud-Din Bhat from Bandipora. The resolution urged the government to expedite the establishment of the NLU in Srinagar, noting that funds for the project’s first phase have already been sanctioned.

“The House unanimously resolves to impress upon the government to initiate the process of establishing the Jammu and Kashmir National Law University at Srinagar without further delay,” the resolution read.

The Assembly adopted the resolution by a voice vote, with Abdullah expressing full support. “Our government has no objections. We are committed to expanding education infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Temporary campus planned at Budgam

Abdullah revealed that the NLU will initially function from rented premises in Ompora, Budgam, as the permanent campus will take time to develop. The site was previously earmarked for a software technology park, but the plan was shelved following objections from the Indian Air Force over communication interference concerns.

“That campus is vacant. If everything goes well, we should be able to start classes by April next fiscal. If we cannot find a better location, we will start the National Law University at that place,” Abdullah said.

The Chief Minister also clarified that while the final location will be decided in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court and the Chief Secretary, the government’s immediate priority is to begin academic sessions without further delay.

Boost for local law students

The establishment of the NLU is expected to transform legal education in Jammu and Kashmir, offering local students an opportunity to pursue high-quality law degrees without migrating outside the Union Territory.

Abdullah assured that the government is actively coordinating with the judiciary and administrative departments to fast-track the process. “Work on the university is ongoing within the civil secretariat. Once operational, it will provide our students the same opportunities available elsewhere in the country,” he said.