History:
The
International Council For Alternate And Theological Studies had an
informal beginning in 1947 and since then it has been
involved as an NGO in informal encouragement of theological
studies within India.
Documents
were submitted for Government Approval in 2003, and after the due
course of examination such an approval was granted on 15th
December according to the laws of the State and Central
Government of India.
Through
this approval, ICAATS has been permitted by the Government of
India to play a deciding role in the development and accreditation of
theological courses which do not come under the preview of
University Grants Commission.
This
approval by the Government of India is in accordance with the
Constitution of India, which in the 29th and 30th Articles grants
special rights to the Minority Groups in India. This includes the right
of Christians to establish, run, and accredit courses devoted to
Christian Theology.
ICAATS
is also authorized to accredit theological studies outside India in
keeping with the international character of the Christian community.
