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Ordinance soon on poll reforms

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI Aug.16. The Union Cabinet today decided to promulgate an ordinance to give effect to the various recommendations made by the all-party conferences for amendments to the Representation of the People Act, nullifying the orders issued by the Election Commission as a follow-up to the Supreme Court judgment of May 2. The all-party conclaves, which reviewed the notifications issued by the Election Commission and the draft Bill prepared by the Government in the wake of the judgment, had resolved that only convictions in cases should be taken into account for disqualification of election candidates and not chargesheets also, on the ground that there was a possibility of charges being framed even on frivolous grounds merely to disqualify a candidate.

The meets also rejected the Election Commission's orders which required candidates to disclose the financial and other assets held by them and their family at the time of filing of nomination.

The Cabinet, which met here this morning, also decided to re-promulgate the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Security Interest Ordinance to enable banks and other financial institutions to continue with their campaign against loan offenders by seizing and selling the securitised assets to reduce their non-performing assets.

It approved the signing of an agreement with Austria to promote cooperation in the development of health-related infrastructure and another with Mongolia, under which India would help that country in achieving food security.

Besides, the Cabinet decided to increase the contribution of India to the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology from Rs. 5 crores to Rs. 7.5 crores per year for the next five years.

In addition, India would make a one-time payment of Rs. 2.5 crores to the Centre towards replacement of equipment.

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