Parliament has passed the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Amendment) Bill, 2017 with the Rajya Sabha approving it on Tuesday. <br/><br/>The Bill seeks to amend the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act, 1981. <br/><br/>The Bill allows the central government to increase the authorised capital of the Bank from Rs. 5,000 crore to Rs. 30,000 crore. <br/><br/>The capital can be increased further by the government in consultation with the RBI. <br/><br/>Currently the Central government is holding 99.6 per cent share of the bank and the rest is with RBI. <br/><br/>NABARD is responsible for providing and regulating facilities like credit for agricultural and industrial development in the rural areas. <br/><br/>Replying to a debate on the bill, Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla said, the government is committed to agricultural growth and welfare of the farmers. <br/><br/>He said, NABARD will concentrate on providing loan to small scale industries related to agriculture and rural infrastructure. <br/><br/>Earlier, members from various political parties including Congress, BJP, TMC and AIADMK supported the Bill during the debate.