Wednesday, May 17 2006 16:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Seeking to assuage agitating medicos, Government today (May 17, 2006) said in Lok Sabha that it will take 'everyone along' and 'protect' their interests but ruled out any dilution of its commitment on OBC quota in higher educational institutions.

"Government will have a collective view taking into consideration all aspects.No one will have any objection, if efforts are made to address the causes of tension. That alone will be the wise thing," HRD Minister Arjun Singh said replying to a calling attention motion on the issue.

He brushed aside reports that Government was speaking in different voices on reservation to OBCs in IIMs, IITs and other educational institutions.

"This is false," he said.

The Minister said the main reason for the 'delay in implementing the Constitutional Amendment providing OBC quota was due to assembly elections in five states which had brought the model code of conduct into force.

Singh said there have been suggestions for increasing the number of seats in the general category as also establishing more such institutions.

"But one cannot take a decision within 24 hours," he said.

Earlier, making a statement, he said, "The Central Government is aware of all views expressed in this regard and shall take an appropriate decision on this issue without in anyway diluting the commitment arising out of the Constitutional Amendment in Article 15 (5)."