SORTING IT OUT: Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh meets representatives of medical students opposing the proposed quota for OBCs in Central Government institutions in New Delhi on Thursday. — PHOTO: RAJEEV BHATT.

NEW DELHI: Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh on Thursday met a delegation from the capital's five medical colleges and said he would talk to students on the issue of reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) after the ongoing Assembly elections were over.

Though the students announced suspension of their "anti-reservation" strike until after the elections were over, Mr. Singh did not give them any assurance as the Election Commission's code of conduct remains in force.

Mr. Singh told the five-member student delegation that it was not for an individual to decide on reservation. The entire Cabinet would take a decision that would be "well-reasoned and well-considered." He said no discussion was possible as he was bound by the Commission's directive not to speak on the issue. He would speak to the Prime Minister before taking the proposal to the Cabinet.

The 30-minute meeting came after Mr. Singh issued a statement saying he was "pained at the news that a number of students of the medical colleges wanted to meet him but were not allowed." He said his house was ever open to anybody who desired to come and meet him, but there had to be a limit on the numbers.

Mr. Singh said, "I have to maintain silence till the elections are over. Still, if anybody wants to meet me, I have no hesitation to meet them as may be requested."

The student delegation sought a rollback of the proposal for 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in higher educational institutions and a Government statement on Wednesday's lathicharge on medical students.

The delegation represented the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, Maulana Azad Medical College, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Lady Hardinge Medical College and the University College of Medical Sciences.

A large number of students were injured when police used water cannon and canecharged them as they marched towards Mr. Singh's residence without securing prior permission.

Mr. Singh said he was "pained" at the lathicharge on the students.

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