The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed a Bill to bifurcate the central university in Jammu and Kashmir to have two separate institutions to cater to both the regions. The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2009, was passed unanimously by a voice vote, paving the way for setting up one central university each in Jammu and Kashmir. Replying to the debate on the Bill, HRD minister Kapil Sibal asked states to suggest to the Centre three to four sites to enable it select the best location for setting up universities. Some members voiced concern over the bifurcation, saying it could introduce a sentiment of separation among the people of the state. Sibal replied that setting up central universities was part of the UPA government’s plan to expand the higher education system. He said the move was purely an administrative decision.

Educational institutions in Jammu division could be affiliated to the central university in Jammu, while others including those in Leh and Kargil can be affiliated to the one in Kashmir. The Bill introduced last month states it is necessary to establish two separate central universities in Jammu region and in the Kashmir Valley for “maintaining regional harmony in the state”. Both universities will offer distinct courses in emerging areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology and IT, Sibal had said earlier. While resuming the debate on the amendment Bill, Anurag Thakur of the BJP said his party fully supported the move to have separate universities for Jammu and Kashmir to cater to the needs of the people in the two regions.