The 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 yesterday.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, 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. 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. Talking to reporters, Law Minister Ravi Shankar said that Government will infuse capital in these banks to protect the interest of the poor, whose money is locked.

Cabinet also approved an agreement with Nigeria, under which Indian sentenced to imprisonment in Nigeria can serve their punishment in India. Mr Prasad said, the country has already such agreement with 34 other nations.

Approval to raise the authorized share capital of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited from 1 000 crore rupees to 6000 crore has been sought which can help finance mega power projects.

Cabinet has also approved an amendments to the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill 2013 for accession to the Anti Fouling Systems (AFS) Convention 2001 which aims to protect the environment and human health from adverse effects of anti-fouling systems used in ships.