Kolkata, June 21 (IANS): The Visva Bharati University in West Bengal is launching a post graduate diploma course in yoga studies in the current academic session as part of its new Yoga Education Centre, eastern India's first at the varsity level, an official said on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Human Resource Development had recently announced that six central universities will have full-fledged yoga departments from academic session 2016-17.

"Initially we are launching a PG Diploma course in the present session beginning July-August. The MHRD has sanctioned Rs 5 crore for infrastructure and Rs 5 crore for bringing in and training faculty. As the curriculum and infrastructure develop, we will start BSc, MSc and certificate courses," Sabujkoli Sen, Director of Studies, Educational Innovations & Rural Reconstruction, at the varsity, told IANS.

Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in Uttarakhand, Central University of Kerala, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University in Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh), Manipur University in Imphal and Central University of Rajasthan in Ajmer are the other five varsities that will introduce yoga studies.