Mool Raj
The Chenab Valley region has long suffered from neglect in terms of development and infrastructure. Despite being a hilly area, prone to natural disasters and other challenges, the region has not received its due share of attention from successive governments. The absence of national-level institutions in the area stands as a stark reminder of this persistent neglect.
Jammu and its adjoining districts, such as Rajouri, are home to several premier institutions, including the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), and Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri. Similarly, the Kashmir division has its fair share of prestigious institutions. However, when it comes to the Chenab Valley, there is an unsettling silence. The region has been left behind, with not a single national-level institution to its name.
The people of Chenab Valley have endured immense hardship due to the region’s rugged terrain and prolonged periods of militancy, which have severely affected daily life. Access to basic amenities such as quality education and healthcare remains a major challenge. The lack of infrastructure—including roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and higher educational institutions—has only aggravated the situation.
It is high time the government takes cognizance of the prolonged neglect faced by the Chenab Valley. The region deserves equal attention and equitable development. The people are not asking for favours; they are asking for justice. Establishing national-level institutions in the region would open new avenues for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and help bridge the existing developmental gap.
Immediate steps must be taken to address this imbalance. The establishment of a National Law University (NLU) would be a meaningful beginning. Alongside this, focused investment in infrastructure—roads, schools, and healthcare facilities—is essential. The people of Chenab Valley deserve better, and it is the responsibility of the government to deliver it.
The region’s remote locations and difficult terrain force many students to migrate to other parts of the country in search of quality education. Historically, the Chenab Valley has remained on the margins of development, with no national-level institution established so far.
Bhaderwah, often referred to as “Chota Kashmir,” is uniquely positioned to host a National Law University. Located centrally between Jammu and Srinagar, with connectivity to Rajouri and Kathua, Bhaderwah offers geographical balance and accessibility. Its relatively peaceful environment and scenic beauty provide an ideal setting for academic pursuits.
Establishing an NLU in Bhaderwah would fill a major gap in the region’s educational infrastructure. It would create opportunities for students from the Chenab Valley, attract faculty and scholars, and stimulate local economic growth. An NLU would also promote legal research and scholarship, contributing to informed policymaking and regional development. Most importantly, it would help correct the imbalance in access to quality higher education.
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir must prioritize the development of the Chenab Valley, particularly in education and infrastructure. Political parties should rise above their differences and work collectively to realize the vision of an NLU in Bhaderwah. A coordinated effort, backed by a clear timeline and adequate resources, is the need of the hour. The institution should be inclusive, catering to students from diverse backgrounds while promoting excellence in legal education and research.
The Chenab Valley has been neglected for far too long. Silence is no longer an option. It is time for decisive action and meaningful development. Establishing a National Law University in Bhaderwah would be a step toward balanced growth, educational empowerment, and economic progress—ultimately contributing to the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir.
The author is a regular columnist and freelance writer.
