Pune will soon get a Lalit Kala University that will promote research and appreciation of dance, drama, sculpture and painting, said Rajesh Tope, Minister for Higher and Technical Education. Around Rs 2 crore rupees has been set aside for the university.

“This will be a first of its kind university in the state and when one thinks of art and culture, Pune is the first city in the state that comes to mind. While we’re yet to decide the finer details of the plan like the location of the university, has to be in Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra,” he added.

Tope said that deliberations had been going on for the last seven-eight months within the state government and a committee has been formed for the same. The committee has visited and studied similar universities across the nation so that it helps in the planning process. A bill has already been prepared for the Lalit Kala University.