National Cooperative Development Corporation Bill gets House approval

The Rajya Sabha recently approved the National Cooperative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, expanding NCDC's role to allow direct loans and grants to cooperative societies. Introduced by Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, the Bill enhances its mandate by including processed food and other notified food items under the definition of "foodstuffs".

The National Cooperative Development Corporation Act, 1962, which established the NCDC, aims to support agricultural production, processing, marketing, storage, and export of various commodities and services. Opponents like BJD MP Sulata Deo raised concerns about the shift of power to the Central government, questioning the soul of the nation residing in villages.

YSR Congress Party MP Golla Babu Rao emphasized the need for benefits to reach farmers, while M Thambidurai of AIADMK stressed close collaboration with states. NCDC Minister Mohol countered criticism, highlighting over 8 lakh cooperative societies with over 30 crore members in the country.