Sri Vijaya Puram, November 1: Nand Kishore Singh, Vice-Chairman of the Andaman & Nicobar State Cooperative Bank, has been elected unopposed to the Board of Directors of the National Federation of State Cooperative Banks for the 2026–2031 term, securing a place for the islands in a key national cooperative banking forum.
His election comes as the island’s principal cooperative bank grapples with loan recovery, financial restructuring and efforts to restore public confidence following allegations of lending irregularities.
Singh was among 21 directors elected unopposed after a candidate from Chhattisgarh withdrew his nomination. The new board will elect its Chairman and other office-bearers on November 17.
Singh has been associated with the islands’ cooperative movement for several years. Besides serving as Vice-Chairman of the State Cooperative Bank, he is Secretary of the Consumer Cooperative Wholesale Store (CCWS) Ltd., an important institution in the Union Territory’s cooperative network.
He was also appointed State Convenor of the BJP’s Cooperative Cell in June 2026, reflecting his growing involvement in the sector’s institutional and political affairs.
Singh assumed the bank’s vice-chairmanship in June 2025 during a leadership transition following the resignation of former Member of Parliament Kuldeep Rai Sharma as Chairman. The change came amid an investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving loans sanctioned by the bank, raising concerns over governance, lending practices and internal controls.
At the national federation’s annual general meeting in Navi Mumbai on September 25, Singh raised issues affecting the Andaman & Nicobar State Cooperative Bank, seeking attention to the challenges faced by cooperative banking institutions operating in geographically isolated regions.
His election could provide the islands with a platform to pursue greater institutional support, particularly for agricultural credit, small businesses and banking services in remote areas.
Established in 1966, the Andaman & Nicobar State Cooperative Bank has played an important role in extending financial services to farmers, fishermen, traders and rural communities. Its operations across the scattered islands make cooperative banking particularly relevant in areas where access to conventional financial institutions remains limited.
The national federation represents state cooperative banks across India and engages with the Reserve Bank of India, NABARD and the Union Government on policy and regulatory issues affecting the sector.
Singh’s elevation comes as the State Cooperative Bank seeks to improve its financial position. At its annual general meeting on October 3, the bank reviewed measures to strengthen loan recovery, increase deposits, improve lending practices and expand financial services.
An administrative review in October 2025 had recorded recovery of ₹27.16 crore from non-performing loan accounts since April that year. The bank has also outlined measures to strengthen recovery operations, financial literacy and regulatory compliance.
However, restoring confidence in the institution remains a significant challenge following scrutiny of its lending practices and governance.
For Singh, the national role brings both an opportunity and greater responsibility. Beyond representing the islands in national cooperative banking discussions, the challenge will be to translate that position into tangible benefits for local institutions and the communities they serve.
His five-year term comes at a critical juncture for cooperative banking in Andaman & Nicobar, where stronger governance, affordable credit and reliable banking access remain central to the sector’s future.
