Cooperatives in Jammu and Kashmir, India, are set to operate under a single, more coherent legal framework after the region’s Legislative Assembly passed the Jammu and Kashmir Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The Bill, moved by Minister for Cooperatives Javid Ahmad Dar, amends the Jammu and Kashmir Cooperative Societies Act, 1989, and repeals the Jammu and Kashmir Self-Reliant Cooperative Act, 1999. It also sets out a transitional framework to bring self-reliant cooperatives under the 1989 Act.
The Bill was passed by voice vote on 22 September, following a lengthy debate in which several legislators shared their views and suggestions on its provisions.
Responding to the debate, Minister Dar explained the aims of the reforms and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative sector through a robust, transparent and effective legal framework.
“The Bill marks an important step towards streamlining the cooperative legislative framework in Jammu and Kashmir and strengthening cooperative institutions for more effective functioning and delivery of services to their members,” he said.
The Minister added that the new framework aims to bring greater coherence to the sector and ensure a smooth transition for self-reliant cooperative societies.
