Rajya Sabha passes NCDC amendment bill to widen cooperative sector funding

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) passed a bill to expand the mandate of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), enabling it to provide loans and grants directly to cooperative societies and other entities working for cooperative development.

The National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the National Co-operative Development Corporation Act, 1962, was passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday (August 11).

The NCDC, a statutory body under the Ministry of Cooperation, was established in 1963 under the 1962 Act.

Replying to the debate on the bill, Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol said, "This bill does not have any provision for additional budgetary financial assistance by the government. The proposed amendment only expands the mandate and financial scope of NCDC."

He said the amendments aim to strengthen the NCDC and make it more effective in keeping with changing times.

"These amendments are not just limited to strengthening NCDC but will strengthen the entire cooperative ecosystem, make it more modern and independent while also contributing to the country's progress," Mr. Mohol said.

The bill's statement of objects and reasons states: "It is proposed to enable the corporation to provide loans and grants directly to the cooperative societies or any entity engaged in cooperative development to the extent such funds are used for cooperative societies, subject to furnishing security as may be required by the corporation."

With the Centre's approval, the corporation will also be allowed to participate in the share capital of any cooperative society or any entity engaged in cooperative development.

The bill seeks to widen the institutional channels through which assistance can reach the cooperative sector, while cooperative societies will continue to remain the primary beneficiaries.

According to the statement, statutory bodies, state government agencies and other specialised entities are increasingly engaged in providing infrastructure, technology, processing, marketing, financial and other services for the development of cooperatives.

Since such entities may not be registered as cooperative societies, the NCDC is currently unable to finance them directly, even when their activities are intended to benefit the cooperative sector.

"Consequently, such proposals are required to be routed through State governments or co-operative societies, resulting in procedural delays and limited uptake," the statement said.

Among other changes, the bill proposes to expand the definition of 'foodstuffs' to include any other food items notified by the Centre. The geographical restriction applicable to industrial goods is proposed to be removed, enabling assistance for such activities irrespective of their location.

The bill also proposes additional powers to the NCDC that may be necessary for effectively discharging its functions.

Besides providing greater flexibility and legal clarity to the NCDC and facilitating timely and direct financial assistance for cooperative development, the bill seeks to empower the corporation to respond effectively to the emerging and diversified requirements of the cooperative sector.

The National Cooperative Development Corporation Act, 1962, was earlier amended in 1973, 1974 and 2002.