National Cooperative Development Corporation Bill gets House approval

On Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha approved the National Cooperative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which broadens the responsibilities of the NCDC to include directly lending and granting money to cooperative societies. This legislation was introduced in the Upper House by Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Cooperation, on behalf of Union Minister Amit Shah, who was absent.

The bill broadens the definition of "foodstuffs" to encompass processed food and any other food items notified by the Centre. The National Cooperative Development Corporation Act, 1962, which established the NCDC, aims to support cooperative societies in various sectors, including agriculture, foodstuffs, industrial goods, livestock, and certain other commodities and services.

BJD MP Sulata Deo questioned the bill, demanding it be sent to a select committee, questioning the reason for the Central government's increased power and Mahatma Gandhi's emphasis on the importance of villages. In support of the bill, YSR Congress Party MP Golla Babu Rao urged the government to ensure the cooperative sector benefits farmers.

AIADMK MP M Thambidurai argued that states should not be left out and that the Union government should collaborate closely with state governments. Mohol criticized Congress MPs for walking out during the discussion. With over 8 lakh cooperative societies and 30 crore members, Mohol emphasized the wide reach of these societies in the country.

Referring to state rights, he noted that all states had adopted the model by-laws for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). The bill was subsequently passed through a voice vote.