Parliament has passed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill 2026, with the Lok Sabha approving it today. Rajya Sabha had passed the bill on Monday.
When the House met after the first adjournment at 12 noon, Minister of MSME Jitan Ram Manjhi moved the bill to further amend the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006. The Bill aims to address payment delays and simplify dispute resolution.
The legislation provides that every central public sector enterprise must settle all invoices for procurement of goods or services from MSMEs on the Trade Receivables Discounting System. As per the bill, if mediation fails in case of dispute, then the reference for arbitration must be made within 30 days from the date of termination of mediation. It also adds that an award must be made within 90 days from the date of completion of pleadings. The Bill provides that if a case has been pending for more than six months, at least 50 per cent of the awarded amount must be paid to the supplier.
After passing the Bill, the Presiding Officer Dilip Saikia tried to run the House and appealed to the protesting members to allow the House to function. He expressed displeasure over the disruptions, stating that such protests are not appropriate for the country’s democratic system. Mr Saikia said that repeatedly bringing posters and banners and obstructing the proceedings is not right as it hampers the functioning of the House.
The Presiding Officer urged the members to go back to their seats and engage in constructive dialogue, adding that they would be given full opportunity to raise their issues. He reiterated that maintaining the dignity of the House is the responsibility of all members and proceedings must be conducted smoothly.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed concern over the opposition’s conduct, saying that Union Home Minister Amit Shah always comes to Parliament during the session and remains present till late night.
As the uproar continued, the Presiding Officer adjourned the House for the day to meet again at 11:00 AM on Monday. Earlier, when the House met at 11 AM, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs of the Quit India Movement. He said that 9th August marks the 84th anniversary of the Quit India Movement.
Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s historic call of Do or Die, Mr Birla described the movement as an enduring symbol of national unity, courage, truth and non-violence. He said, it also reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to democracy, freedom, national unity and the values enshrined in the Constitution. The Speaker said that this movement paved the way for a decisive mass awakening towards achieving independence and infused new energy into the nation’s self-confidence.
The House also paid its tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and to the freedom fighters and martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the country’s independence. The House also observed silence in honour of the freedom fighters and martyrs.
After that, Mr Birla tried to take up the Question Hour, but the opposition members raised the issue of alleged police action during students’ protests. The opposition members were demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on alleged police action during students’ protests.
The Speaker said, Question Hour is an important part of the proceedings, which provides every member an opportunity to raise issues. Mr Birla added that Parliament is meant for discussion, for raising questions, and for meaningful exchange of ideas. As the pandemonium continued, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 12:00 noon.
