Empowering Rural India: ₹2,000 Cr Grant to NCDC
Syllabus: Government Policies & Interventions, Agriculture & Economy (UPSC GS II & III)
Source: TOI
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹2,000 crore grant to the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) for the next four years to boost cooperative-based development in rural India.
What is the NCDC?
- Statutory Body: Established in 1963 under an Act of Parliament.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Cooperation.
- Headquarters: New Delhi, with 18 regional and state offices.
- Main Goal: Promote self-reliant and sustainable cooperatives in agriculture and allied rural sectors.
Key Roles and Functions
- Financial Support: Provides long-term credit, working capital, and grants to cooperatives.
- Sector Coverage:
- Agriculture: Production, processing, marketing, and storage.
- Allied Sectors: Dairy, poultry, fisheries, handloom, sericulture, etc.
- Infrastructure: Cold storage, irrigation, animal health, sanitation, and rural logistics.
- Trade Support: Assists cooperatives in the import/export of fertilizers, farm equipment, and agri-commodities.
- Advisory Role: Offers technical guidance and helps prepare project proposals via its regional offices.
Significance of NCDC
- Wide Reach: Supports over 13,000 cooperative societies with 2.9 crore members.
- Inclusive Growth:
- Focuses on women-led, tribal, and labour cooperatives.
- Generates local employment and boosts rural entrepreneurship.
- Value Chain Development: Plays a key role in food processing, dairy, fisheries, and textiles, enhancing income and reducing wastage.
Way Forward
- The ₹2,000 crore grant is expected to strengthen the cooperative ecosystem, deepen financial inclusion, and support India’s vision of “Sahakar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).
