The ministry said that in view of the special status of the border state, which has separate regions with distinct geographical, social, cultural and ethnic characteristics, the central government has decided to establish, as a special dispensation, two appropriate central universities - one in Jammu region and another in the Kashmir valley.

'It is expected that this will meet the regional aspirations in the state. The government proposes to undertake appropriate legislative measures in this regard shortly.

'The two varsities will have instructional and research facilities in emerging branches of learning like IT, biotechnology, nanosciences, etc., setting exemplary standards of education for the other universities in the State to emulate,' the ministry added.