Government has decided to revive 23 unlicensed co-operative banks in different states which were on the verge of closure. The decision was taken by the Union Cabinet in New Delhi this evening. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Union Law Minister Ravishankar Prasad said that of the total, 16 banks are in Uttar Pradesh, three each in Jammu and Kashmir and Maharshtra and one in West Bengal. He said the government will infuse capital in these banks to protect the interest of the poor, whose money is locked.

Mr. Prasad said that the cabinet also approved an agreement with Nigeria, under which Indian sentenced to imprisonment in Nigeria can serve their sentences in India. The Minister said that similarly Nigerians sentenced in India can serve their sentences in their country. He said the country has already such agreement with 34 other nations. The Union Cabinet also gave its nod to an agreement with Australian Narcotics Board for more cooperation in the area of control of narcotic drugs.