New Delhi, Nov 19 The Union Government on Thursday announced the setting up of 193 Grama Nyayalayas (village courts) in various states in the current year.

In a written statement to the Lok Sabha, Union Law and Justice Minister, M. Veerappa Moily said: "The village courts will be set up in the States where the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 applies."

"The Central Government would bear the non-recurring cost of establishment of Gram Nyayalayas subject to a ceiling of Rs.18.00 lakhs per Gram Nyayalaya," he said

Moily also informed the lower house that the Central Government would also bear 50 percent of Rs.6.40 lakhs per annum as recurring cost of one Gram Nyayalaya for the first three years.

He said the government has carried out detailed consultations with state governments, high courts and other stakeholders regarding implementation of the Gram Nyayalayas, Act 2008 and its impact on the administration of justice in the states.

Replying another question Moily informed the members that the government has introduced the National Green Tribunal Bill, 2009 in the Lok Sabha in July, which envisages setting up of National Green Tribunal (NGT) for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to Environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.

Meanwhile he also clarified that there is no proposal under consideration of the Centre to open up country's legal sector to foreign law companies.

However, Moily, informed the house that the issue of allowing foreign law firms to establish their officers to give legal advice and assistance on foreign law is being discussed with all the stake holders including the Bar Council of India. (ANI)