Ranchi University on Friday decided to replace the quintessential British attire consisting of black robes and square caps with Indian traditional wear for the convocation to be held at Dikshant Mandap on Morabadi campus of the varsity here on March 29.

For girls, the dress code will be white saree with red border and red blouse or white salwar kurta with red dupatta and for boys it will be white dhoti-kurta or white pyjama-kurta.

“The university syndicate took the decision in the wake of Raj Bhavan’s direction last year which stated that it will be good in case students take degrees in Indian traditional dresses. This is for the first time university students will attend the convocation in ethnic dress. Over 56,000 students are eligible for the degrees,” university PRO Prakash Jha said, adding that the syndicate had approved Rs 25 lakh to organise the function.

Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarathi Parishad (ABVP) state joint secretary Deepesh Kumar welcomed the decision saying it was a long awaited demand of their organisation which the university has finally fulfilled.

“Taking a degree in gowns is English tradition. ABVP has always opposed this. We should wear traditional dress for such a big occasion. Kolhan University has already adopted the dress code two years ago,” Kumar said.

Tanju Khatri, a senior member of Jharkhand Chatra Morcha, the students wing of JMM, said changing the dress code made no sense. “Dress code does not matter for a student. The important thing is if the degree helps them get employment,” Khatri said.