Lucknow, July 4: The opposition over Uttar Pradesh government's plan to introduce a dress code for Madrasa students is already coming under criticism from Muslim clerics and scholars. The latest to join the list of growing critics of the UP government's plan is Madarasa Darul Uloom Firangi Mahal located in Lucknow. Talking to news agency ANI, Sufiyan Nizami said that "Dress code for all the Madrasas and colleges that are running in this country is not decided by the government. It is decided by the managing committee of that institution. So, why such discrimination against the Madrasas(sic)?"

Uttar Pradesh Minister Mohsin Raza, while talking to media said that "Our aim is to bring madrasas at par with other educational institutions. Till now, students in madrasas have been wearing 'kurta-payjama'. A dress code will make it more formal. We will provide them the uniform. Our intentions are absolutely clear as we work with transparency and believe in sabka saath, sabka vikas", Raza said. Watch the minister talking about his plan to news agency ANI:

However, some have also supported the UP government's plan to introduce the dress code in Madarasa. UP Shia Waqf Board chief Waseem Rizvi said that "The time has come for the minorities to excel in academics and leave behind orthodoxy. What is the need to wear 'uncha pyjamas'? Instead, the madrassas should be run like any other public or private school,". He made the remark talking to news channel CNN News 18. It remains to be seen how the Uttar Pradesh government will try and convince the madaras to adopt a dress code.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2018 11:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).