Parliament Passes MSME Amendment Bill-2026

New Delhi, Aug 7: Parliament on Friday passed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with the Lok Sabha approving the legislation amid continued Opposition protests. The Rajya Sabha had passed the Bill on Monday.

The legislation, moved in the Lok Sabha by MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, seeks to address payment delays faced by MSMEs and streamline the process of resolving disputes.

Under the amended provisions, every central public sector enterprise will be required to settle invoices for goods or services procured from MSMEs through the Trade Receivables Discounting System.

The Bill also provides a 30-day deadline for referring a dispute to arbitration if mediation fails. An arbitration award must be made within 90 days from completion of pleadings. In cases pending for more than six months, at least 50 per cent of the awarded amount is required to be paid to the supplier.

The passage came amid repeated disruptions in the Lok Sabha over the Opposition’s demand for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on alleged police action during student protests.

Presiding Officer Dilip Saikia appealed to protesting members to return to their seats and allow the House to function, saying repeated use of posters and banners and obstruction of proceedings was inappropriate in a democratic system.

He urged members to engage in constructive dialogue and assured them that they would be given opportunities to raise their issues, stressing that maintaining the dignity of Parliament was the responsibility of all members.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticised the Opposition’s conduct and said Shah regularly attends Parliament during sessions and remains present till late hours.

Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs of the Quit India Movement, noting that August 9 marks its 84th anniversary. The House also observed silence in their honour.

The Speaker’s attempts to conduct Question Hour were disrupted by Opposition protests over the alleged police action. Amid continued uproar, the House was adjourned for the day and will reconvene at 11 am on Monday. (Agencies)