BLC Laws Achieve (Myanmar Laws 1998)

The State Peace and Development Council
The International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Law
(The State Peace and Development Council Law No. 10/98)
The 12th Waning Day of Tawthalin 1360 M.E.
(17 th September, 1998)

The State Peace and Development Council hereby enacts the following Law: -

Chapter I
Title and Definition

1. This Law shall be called the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Law.

2. The following expressions contained in this Law shall have the meanings given hereunder:

(a) Theravada University means the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University established under this Law;

(b) Ovadacariya Committee means the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Ovadacariya Committee set up under this Law in order to give instruction or admonishment in respect of the functions of the Theravada University;

Chapter II
Establishment of the Theravada University

3. The International Therevada Buddhist Missionary University is established from the day on which this Law takes effect.

4. The Theravada University has the right to confer and grant B.A., M.A., Ph.D. degrees, diplomas, certificates and honorary degrees relating to Theravada University education.

5. The Theravada University shall operate under its own name and a common seal and shall have perpetual succession and the right to sue and be used in its corporate name.

6. The Theravada University may establish its affiliated Theravada Buddhist Missionary College, Institute, Training Schools and Meditation Centres as may be necessary.

Chapter III
The Objectives of the Theravada University

7. The objectives of the Theravada University are as follows : -

(a) to disseminate the genuine Theravada Buddhism throughout the world;

(b) to study and practise the canonical texts of Theravada Pitaka as approved successively by the six Buddhist Synods;

(d) to promote the cardinal virtues through out the world in order that a peaceful and pleasant human society may emerge;

(e) to have more people who are well-versed in Tipitaka, excellent in moral character and who will propagate religion.

Chapter IV
Formation of the Ovadacariya Committee and Functions Thereof

8. The Ovadacariya Committee of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary is formed with the following persons -

(a)	Chairman State Sang hamahanayaka	Chairman
(b)	Chief Secretary State Sang ham ahanayaka	Vice- Chairman
(c)	Six Vice-chairmen State Sang hamahanayaka	Member
(d)	Three Sanghamahanayaka Sayadaws who are concurrentlymembers of the General Executive Committee of State Pariyatti Sasana University	Member
(e)	Chief Patron State Pariyatti Sasana University, Yangon	Member
(f)	Chief Patron State Pariyatti Sasana University, Mandalay	Memeber
(g)	Chancellor Member World Buddhist University, Sagaing	Member
(h)	Rector World Buddhist University, Sagaing	Member
(i)	Four Sayadaws assigned duty by the Ministry of Religious Affairs	Member
(j)	Sayadaw assigned duty by the Ministry of Religious Affairs	Secretary
(k)	Sayadaw assigned duty by the Ministry of Religious Affairs	Joint - Secretary

9. Duties and functions of the Ovadacariya committee are as follows: -

(a) supervising and giving instruction in order to make Theravada University education conform to Theravada Pitaka;

(b) giving instruction to the teaching staff of the Theravada University in order that they may meet international standard;

10. (a) The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Ovadacariya Committee are the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the Theravada University.

(b) The Chancellor of the Theravada University shall confer B.A., MA., and Ph.D. degrees.

Chapter V
Formation of the Council and Functions Thereof

11. In order to implement the objectives of the Theravada University, the Government shall form the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary Council with the following persons : -

(a)	Minister, Ministry of Religious Affairs	Chairman
(b)	Rector, Pro-Rector and Deans of the Theravada University	Member
(c)	Persons from the relevant Government Departments and Organizations	Member
(d)	Laymen Advisers assigned duty by the Ministry of Religious Affairs	Member
(e)	Director- General Department for the Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana.	Secretary

12. If necessary, the Government may determine the Vice-Chairman and Joint- Secretary of the Council.

13. A non- Governmental member of the Council has the right to enjoy the remuneration determined by the Council.

14. The duties and powers of the Council are as follows:-

(a) getting instruction from Ovadacariya Committee from time to time;

(b) laying down the policy relating to Theravada University education;

(d) determining to carry out works of research relating to Theravada University education;

(e) determining and conferring B.A., M.A., Ph.D. degrees, Diploma, certificate and honorary degrees to be conferred by the Theravada University;

(f) limiting the number of students to be accepted by the Theravada University;

(g) determining the qualifications for entrance to the Theravada University;

(h) determining the qualifications of the Theravada University teaching staff;

(i) giving instructions with regard to examinations of the Theravada University;

(j) prescribing scholarships and outstanding rewards of the Theravada University;

(k) supervising the management of the Theravada University;

(I) determining the organizational set-up and appointing the required staff of the Theravada University;

(m) determining the powers and duties of the Rector of the Therevada University;

(n) supervising the affiliated Colleges, Institutes, Training Schools and Meditation Centres of the Theravada University;

(o) obtaining technical and other assistance from the Government departments and organizations, local and foreign organizations and individuals.

Chapter VI
Formation of the Academic Committee and Management Committee

15. In order to carry out effectively the teaching functions and management duties, the Council shall form the following Committees with suitable persons:

(a) Theravada University Academic Committee;

(b) Theravada University Management Committee.

16. The Council shall prescribe the duties and functions of the Theravada University Academic Committee and Theravada University Management Committee.

17. A non - Governmental member of the Theravada Academic Committee and Theravada Management Committee has the right to enjoy the remuneration determined by the Council.

Chapter VII
Finance

18. The expenditures of the Theravada University shall be borne by the utilized from the State Fund.

19. The Theravada University may accept donations, property and other assistance from local and foreign donors.

20. The Theravada University shall accept, utilize and maintain accounts in respect of its receipts and expenditures in accordance with the existing financial regulations, bye -laws and directives.

Chapter VIII
Miscellaneous

21. In order to carry out the provisions of this Law:-

(a) The Ministry of Religious Affairs may issue such rules and procedures as may be necessary, with the approval of the Government.

(b) The Council and the Ministry of Religious Affairs may issue such orders and directives as may be necessary.

Sd./ Than Shwe
Senior General
Chairman
The State Peace and Development Council