Srinagar, Sep 22 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed the Jammu and Kashmir Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2026, providing for the repeal of the Jammu and Kashmir Self-Reliant Cooperative Act, 1999 and a transitional framework for self-reliant cooperative societies.

The bill, L.A. Bill No. 9 of 2026, was passed after detailed discussion and deliberations by members of the House.

Minister for Cooperative Department Javid Ahmad Dar moved the bill, seeking amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Cooperative Societies Act, 1989, repeal of the Jammu and Kashmir Self-Reliant Cooperative Act, 1999, and incorporation of provisions for a transitional framework for self-reliant cooperatives under the principal Act.

The bill was discussed at length, with several legislators putting forth their views, suggestions and observations on various provisions of the proposed legislation.

Those who participated in the discussion included Nizam-ud-din Bhat, Pawan Gupta, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Arjun Singh Raju and Rajiv Jasrotia.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Responding to the issues and suggestions raised during the debate, Dar apprised the House of the objectives and rationale behind the proposed amendments and reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening the cooperative sector through a robust, transparent and effective legislative 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 said the proposed legislative framework was aimed at bringing greater coherence to the cooperative sector and ensuring a smooth transition for self-reliant cooperative societies within the ambit of the Jammu and Kashmir Cooperative Societies Act, 1989.

Following the discussion and consideration of the suggestions raised by members, the Jammu and Kashmir Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed by the Legislative Assembly through a voice vote.(KNS)