Excelsior Correspondent
GANDERBAL, Nov 13: In a major step towards realizing the vision of a world-class higher education institution in Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India today approved the Revised Cost Estimate (RCE) of Rs 998.62 crore for the establishment of the permanent campus of the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) at Tulmulla, Ganderbal.
The project, to be implemented over 36 months (FY 2025–28) will feature state-of-the-art academic, administrative and recreational infrastructure designed on the principles of a green, digital and smart campus.
The total cost includes Rs 517.07 crore in capital expenditure and Rs 481.55 crore in recurring expenditure, covering both past spending (2009–25) and the estimated outlay for 2025–28.
The approval follows recommendations made by the Public Investment Board (PIB) during its meeting chaired by the Secretary (Expenditure), Ministry of Finance, on August 18, 2025.
Prof A Ravinder Nath, Vice-Chancellor, CUKashmir, presented a detailed proposal outlining the university’s locational advantages, academic aspirations and infrastructural needs.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Nath highlighted that the institution, despite its academic achievements, continues to face challenges of inadequate facilities and limited visibility in national rankings.
He underscored the urgent need for infrastructure expansion, recruitment of eminent faculty and the creation of a holistic educational ecosystem aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The university’s persistent engagement with the Ministry of Education, the Department of Expenditure, and NITI Aayog played a crucial role in overcoming long-standing technical, financial and land-related bottlenecks that had delayed the project for nearly 15 years.
Expressing gratitude, Prof Nath thanked Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other public representatives for their continued support.
“This approval is not just a financial sanction but a recognition of collective perseverance and the aspirations of the people, administration, faculty and students,” he said, adding that the new campus will serve as a catalyst for education, employment, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
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