Martin Luther Christian University

Martin Luther Christian University

"Because the light of truth long since extinct on earth, God again roused up in this age through Martin Luther."
Established	2005
Location	Shillong, India
Campus	Urban
Website	http://www.mlcuniv.in

Martin Luther Christian University was established in July 2005. The university is named after Martin Luther (1483–1546), the father of reformation, the first Christian leader to promote higher education for the general populace. MLCU is the first full-fledged Christian University in India, the capstone to more than two centuries of Christian education in this country.^{[1] [2]}

Sponsors

Martin Luther Christian University was sponsored by the National Lutheran Health and Medical Board of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of India and the Khasi-Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of India.^[3] Local sponsors Khasi-Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly of Presbyterian Church of India withdrew its sponsorship to the university college in 2014.^[4][5]

MLCU Act

Martin Luther Christian University was created by Act No. 11 of 2005 of the Legislative Assembly of Meghalaya. The Government of Meghalaya issued the Gazette Notification on February 22, 2006. The creation of the University is in accordance with the University Grant Commission Act, 1956 under Section 2(f) and the University is empowered to grant degrees under Section 22 of the UGC Act.^[6]

Academics/Curriculum

The University contribute to the sustainable development of the region, participating in vocational education, health care, information and communication networks, agri-sciences, environmental protection, disaster education, peace studies and developmental projects. The University collaborates with NGos, community organisations, self –help groups and industry in the development of the community.Spheres of learning range from Allied Health Sciences, Counselling Psychology, Environmental studies, Business, Social Work, Music, etc. Ethics, social skills, community skills and Life Skills are a major part of the curriculum of every individual student in the University.

Fieldwork

Experiential Learning is one of the core pillars of the curriculum of all the courses in MLCU. The learning takes place through theoretical inputs and experiential learning which is of 50:50 ratio. The experiential learning consists of field work in communities and NGOs, postings in hospitals, industries, hotels and travel agencies and others. Field trips are organized for the students on a regular basis. Study tours outside the state are also organized to expose students to issues, problems faced by people outside the state.

Controversy

Martin Luther Christian University has been chargesheeted by CBI for misappropriation of funds sanctioned by North Eastern Council^[7] for establishment of North East Careers Institute.^[8][9] MLCU has also been affiliating institutions outside the state of Meghalaya in contravention of the UGC Act. UGC has ordered MLCU to shut its off-campus centers. MLCU has challenged the UGC order.^[10]

References

Coordinates: 25°34′07″N 91°53′00″E / 25.5687°N 91.8833°E / 25.5687; 91.8833