Government has decided to revive 23 unlicensed district central 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.Under the Scheme, the total capital infusion required for revival of these banks would be over 2375 crore rupees. Of the total money, the commitment from the Central Government would be around 673 crore rupees and over 1464 crore from State Governments while over 237 crore rupees from NABARD.

Mr. Prasad said that the cabinet also approved an agreement with Nigeria, under which Indian sentenced to imprisonment in Nigeria can serve their punishment in India. The Minister said that similarly Nigerians sentenced in India can serve their punishment 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.