The state government, which has approved the final draft, has written to the Union government for a Rs 140-crore one-time grant to set up the Police University at Laddowal, near Ludhiana. The government has approved an annual grant-in-aid of Rs 5 crore for the university, to be named as Maharaja Ranjit Singh Police University.

As per the approved draft, the government intends to tie up with foreign educational institutes for various exchange programmes for police and non-police officers. The proposed university will provide degrees, diplomas and certificates to pass-outs in various disciplines. The process of appointing law officers and faculty was under way, said sources.

Central police forces too will be provided lessons here. The draft plan has laid down police theories, human rights, social sciences, forensic science, crime management and behavioural skills as specialised subjects to be taught. The Finance Department too has accorded its approval for the project.

An amount of Rs 3.5 crore would be spent on pay and allowances of staff and office-bearers, including that of the Vice-Chancellor whose consolidated salary has been kept at about Rs 70,000 per month. According to the plan, Rs 50 crore for the project would be arranged by the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB).