1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to higher education; establishing an India Center at the University of 
1.3 	Minnesota; requiring a report; appropriating money.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA INDIA CENTER.
 1.6 		Subdivision 1.India Center. The Board of Regents shall establish an India Center 
1.7 	at the University of Minnesota to promote relations with India and Southeast Asia. The 
1.8 	center must partner with public and private organizations in Minnesota to build, strengthen, 
1.9 	and promote relations; build on mutual interests; and develop understanding between 
1.10 	India, Minnesota, and the United States. As part of its mission, the India Center must: 
1.11 	(1) foster an understanding of the history, culture, and values of India;
1.12 	(2) serve as a resource and catalyst to promote economic, governmental, and 
1.13 	academic pursuits involving India; and
1.14 	(3) facilitate educational exchanges, collaborative research, and teaching and 
1.15 	training activities.
1.16 		Subd. 2.Objectives. (a) The India Center should provide an educational resource 
1.17 	and focal point for Minnesota teachers and students seeking information on the world 
1.18 	languages, culture, and history of India. 
1.19 	(b) The India Center should facilitate exchanges between businesses in the United 
1.20 	States and India and encourage participation and partnerships with Minnesota businesses. 
1.21 	The center should provide opportunities for introductions to the cultural, business, and 
1.22 	governmental leaders necessary for business exchanges and partnerships.
2.1 		Subd. 3.Advisory council. The Board of Regents may form an advisory council to 
2.2 	facilitate the mission and objectives of the India Center. Members of the council should 
2.3 	represent university faculty, staff, and students; community members with an interest in 
2.4 	Indian culture and affairs; and members of the business community with connections to 
2.5 	India. The council should assist the India Center in making connections with other parts 
2.6 	of the university and facilitate the academic, research, teaching, exchange, and training 
2.7 	missions of the India Center. 
2.8 		Subd. 4.Report. The Board of Regents must report on the India Center annually 
2.9 	by February 15 to the governor and chairs of the legislative committees responsible for 
2.10 	higher education finance. The report must measure the progress that the center is making 
2.11 	towards its mission and objectives under this section.

2.12 	Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION.
 2.13 	$....... is appropriated to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota from 
2.14 	the general fund for the biennium ending June 30, 2009, for the India Center under 
2.15 	section 1.