Kerala Minister for Rural Development and Culture K. C. Joseph told the Assembly on Tuesday that the formation of a University of Culture was under active consideration of the government.
The Minister was replying to the debate on the demand for grants for Education, Sports, Arts and Culture. Mr. Joseph said Kalamandalam (a deemed university) had been designated as nodal agency for performing arts.
He said the government had introduced subsidy for amateur and professional theatre productions. Minister for Forests and Sports K. B. Ganesh Kumar, who replied to the debate relating to Sports, said the government had brought sports under the control of sportspersons, freeing sports institutions from the grip of politicians. A decision had been taken against appointments of those other than sports persons in sports quota in government service.
Mr. Kumar suggested that a levy of 50 paise should be imposed on every bottle of liquor specifically for sports development. The foundation stone for G. B. Raja sports complex, proposed to be set up at Poonjar, would be laid shortly.
Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Tribes, Youth Affairs, Museum and Zoos P. K. Jayalekshmi said a new building would be constructed for Sri Chitra Art Gallery here. The museum and gardens here would be renovated.
A new headquarters building and district offices would be set up for the Youth Welfare Department.
