Date:14/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/14/stories/2006051405871001.htm

National

Arjun criticises Pitroda

New Delhi: Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh on Saturday criticised Knowledge Commission Chairman Sam Pitroda for opposing reservation in Central educational institutions.

Mr. Pitroda "says he was unaware of the Constitution Amendment (on reservation). If he is that ignorant, how can he be Chairman of the Knowledge Commission," Mr. Singh told Headlines Today news channel.

A majority of the commission opposed the extension of reservation to Central educational institutions.

Against police action

Mr. Singh also criticised police action against striking medicos, who are protesting against his reservation proposal.

"I don't support that [police] action," he said, but asked students to take into account the interest of "large sections of the deprived people."

The Minister said the reservation proposal was again submitted to the Union Cabinet for its consideration. — PTI