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Cabinet nod to controversial Micro-finance Bill

New Delhi, Feb 22 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today approved the introduction in Parliament of the micro-finance Bill, aimed at facilitating the flow of micro financial services to the un-banked population of the country.

The legislation on the Micro Financial Sector (Development and Regulation) will provide a legal framework for the entities engaged in micro-finance and facilitate an environment for development of such services in the country with greater transparency, effective management and better governance, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

The enactment of the legislation is subject to amendments of drafting or of a consequential nature, if any, in consultation with the legislative department.

Women and Child Development Minister Renuka Chowdhury has reportedly expressed concern to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the adverse impact the proposed Bill would have on women and the marginalised section in society.

At the group of ministers (GoM), Ms Chowdhury had voiced concern over the high interest rates that unorganised groups such as women and minorities would be forced to pay if the Bill was passed.

According to sources, the Ministry had recommended a cap on the rate of interest charged by micro-finance institutions that handle the bulk of micro-finance activity.

UNI

India asks Pakistan to cooperate against terror

New Delhi, Feb 22 (UNI) A day after turning down Islamabad's proposal for joint investigation into the Samjhauta Express explosions, India today asked Pakistan to cooperate in identifying and punishing those guilty of the gruesome tragedy ''wherever they exist.'' ''This attack underlines the need for effective coordination against terrorist groups wherever they exist. We hope Pakistan will cooperate in identifying the assailants and punishing them,'' External Affairs MInistry spokesman Navtej Sarna said today. The spokesman, while expressing gratitude to world leaders.....

Meghalaya gets an IIM

New Delhi, Feb 22 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today gave its nod to the proposal of setting up of an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Shillong, to be named after late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, with the objective of producing quality business brains that would ensure industrial development of the North-East region in particular and the country in general. The Institute, to be known as ''Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Management'', will be set up in the Meghalaya capital Shillong, incurring.....

Avoidance of double taxation between India, Myanmar

New Delhi, Feb 22 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for the signing of the proposed agreement between India and Myanmar for avoidance of double taxation and prevention of income tax evasion. The agreement, after it enters into force, will stimulate the flow of investment, technology and personnel from India to Myanmar and vice versa, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters after the Cabinet meeting. It will also provide tax stability and facilitate mutual economic cooperation......
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