Mumbai: In a significant decision, the Maharashtra Cabinet tonight (Feb 25, 2004) decided to introduce anti-defection law in the local self-Government bodies spread across the State.

"The Government will introduce a legislation in the coming session of the State legislature, disqualifying a local self Government body member indulging in defection," Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said after the meeting of the State cabinet at Mantralaya.

The anti-defection law would be applicable to zilla parishads, nagar palikas and municipal corporations across the State, Shinde said.

The Cabinet also decided to accord status of minority on Jain community in the State, Shinde said.

The Jain community's population in State is nearly 10 lakhs.

Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Rajasthan States have already declared Jains as minorities.