The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026), paving the way for its consideration by the Rajya Sabha. The Bill seeks to widen the mandate and financing powers of the National Co-operative Development Corporation (NCDC).
A key provision empowers NCDC to provide loans and grants directly to cooperative societies or entities engaged in cooperative development, subject to the required security and the condition that the funds are used for cooperative societies.
The Bill also enables NCDC, with the approval of the Central Government, to participate in the share capital of cooperative societies and entities engaged in cooperative development.
It defines “co-operative development” to include planning, promotion and financing of programmes for cooperative societies, either directly or through intermediary entities.
The Bill also expands the scope of products eligible for NCDC support to include processed food and other edible products, besides other food items notified by the Centre.
The Bill was passed amid protests by Opposition members demanding the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah and a statement on the police action during the July 20 student protest at Jantar Mantar.
The legislation will now go to the Rajya Sabha for consideration and passage.
