DUSHANBE, September 3, Asia-Plus -- A total of nearly 4,000 general schools in Tajikistan have opened their doors to students this academic year.

On September 1, ceremonial line-ups were held in all general schools across the country and the new academic year started with a Lesson of Knowledge.   

According to the Ministry of Education (MoE), this academic year, 177,693 first-formers have gone to schools in Tajikistan, which is 1,361 children more than in 2006. A total number of secondary school students in Tajikistan is 1,723,140 people.  

3,830 schools now function in Tajikistan; another 78 schools have opened their doors to students this academic year.  

Students in Tajikistan have begun the new academic year under a new uniform policy that bans strict Islamic dress and revealing clothing.