The US State of Minnesota has adopted a higher education finance Bill that includes a provision of $150,000 for funding establishment of an Indian Center at the University of Minnesota to foster understanding of India's history and culture.

The Bill adopted on Monday now goes to the Governor who is likely to sign it into law after examining its various
provisions.

The Bill provides one time appropriation for the Centre but is conditional on it being matched by private funds which the Indian community is expected to collect.

State Representative Erik Paulsen, who was in the forefront of the effort, said the Centre, a public and private sector undertaking, would help strengthen relations between the US and India and act as catalyst in promoting economic, governmental and academic ties between the two countries.

It will also encourage collaborative research and training.