National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Why in News?

Parliament passes a bill to amend the NCDC Act (National Cooperative Development Corporation) to boost the cooperative sector.

• It aims to amend the National Co-operative Development Corporation Act, 1962.

Major Provisions

• The proposed amendment only expands the mandate and financial scope of NCDC.
• This bill does not have any provision for additional budgetary financial assistance by the government.
• It aims to broaden the mandate of the NCDC to give loans and grants directly to cooperative societies in the country.
• With the Centre's approval, the corporation will be allowed to participate in the share capital of any cooperatives or any entity engaged in cooperative development.
• The Bill allows the Corporation to undertake its activities in industrial goods.
• The legislation also allows the state governments to extend funding from the Corporation to any entity engaged in co-operative development.
• 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.

About NCDC

• The NCDC is a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Cooperation.
• It was established in 1963 under the National Cooperative Development Corporation Act, 1962.
• It comes under the Ministry of Co-operation.
• India’s cooperative sector is among the largest cooperative networks in the world.

Reference

The Indian Express | NCDC Bill