New Delhi: A scheme launched by Uttar Pradesh Government in January this year to upgrade madarasas (Islamic schools) requires applicants to secure a certificate from a minority department official that they do not teach "anti-national and terrorism ideology", the "Outlook" news magazine claimed today (Oct 15, 2004).

Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav has confirmed that such a certification process exists. "I promise you that there will be an inquiry. In a few days we will fix the responsibility and punish them," the magazine quoted the Chief Minister in a press release as having said it.

State Urban Affairs Minister Azam Khan said, "This is a legacy of the BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) Government. Some officer appointed by them has quietly inserted this clause. It should have been withdrawn. You must give some room for human mistakes."

Former Chief Justice of India A M Ahmadi criticised the Government order.