SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has passed a Private Member’s Bill aimed at establishing a university campus in Banihal, a move that proponents say will significantly enhance higher education access for students in the Ramban district.
The bill, titled the “Establishment of University Campus at Banihal Bill,” was moved by Member of the Legislative Assembly for Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen. Its passage in the Assembly is being hailed as a historic development for the region, which has long faced challenges in providing accessible higher education facilities to its youth.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Shaheen stated that the Bill’s passage marks the commencement of a new era for Banihal, addressing decades of hardship faced by students seeking higher education. He highlighted that a substantial percentage of students in the area are unable to pursue advanced studies post-graduation due to socio-economic constraints and the absence of nearby institutions.
Shaheen credited Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his support and vision in addressing this long-standing demand. He also expressed gratitude to the Minister for Higher Education, Sakina Itoo, for her cooperation and the positive consideration of the proposal. The MLA further acknowledged the unanimous backing of all Cabinet Ministers and fellow Members of the Legislative Assembly for supporting the Bill.
The establishment of the university campus is anticipated to create new avenues for learning, opportunity, and empowerment for the youth in Banihal. Shaheen described the legislative success as a collective victory for the people of Ramban district, underscoring a shared commitment to uplifting backward and underserved regions through education and development initiatives. He congratulated the residents of the Banihal-Gool constituency on the achievement and pledged his commitment to ensuring the project’s swift implementation on the ground.
The proposed university campus is expected to play a crucial role in improving access to tertiary education, potentially reducing student dropout rates, and fostering new employment opportunities. Regional development experts anticipate that this initiative could transform Banihal into a burgeoning educational hub, thereby contributing to the overall socio-economic upliftment of the district.
The Chenab Times News Desk