Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has directed the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the next 25 years, emphasising institutional reforms, financial autonomy and professional management.
Addressing the Corporation’s 93rd General Council meeting in New Delhi, Shah said NCDC had made significant progress in financial performance, loan disbursements and geographical expansion. Its presence now extends to all States and Union Territories, including remote areas such as Ladakh and smaller northeastern States.
However, he cautioned that these achievements should not lead to complacency. NCDC must review its organisational structure, explore alternative avenues for raising capital, improve professional functioning and develop stronger partnerships with cooperative institutions.
Shah proposed constituting a group comprising experienced cooperators and professional experts to examine these issues. He also suggested organising a workshop and convening a special meeting to discuss the proposed changes in detail.
Emphasising the need to reduce excessive dependence on government assistance and government banks, he called for financial and organisational models that would enable NCDC to mobilise resources independently and meet the sector’s growing needs.
Shah said the development of the cooperative sector remained NCDC’s responsibility, but ensuring the Corporation’s own growth and financial strength must also become a collective priority of its General Council members.
