New Delhi: The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has announced the setting up of two Central Universities in Jammu and Kashmir - one in Jammu region and another in the Kashmir Valley.

The two Central Universities will have instructional and research facilities in emerging branches of learning like information technology, biotechnology, nano-sciences, etc.

However, in view of the constraints of resources and greater demand for a second Central University in the state, the HRD Ministry has decided to drop the proposal for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Jammu and Kashmir and instead use the savings for the establishment of a second appropriate Central University.

"In view of the special status of State of Jammu and Kashmir, 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 in the State", the HRD Ministry said here today.

The setting up of a Central University in the state has been a long demand of the locals and this is now expected to meet the regional aspirations of the state.

The Government will undertake appropriate legislative measures in this regard shortly.