New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Friday passed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, amid continued protests by Opposition members, completing its passage through Parliament after the Rajya Sabha had cleared it earlier in the week.
The Bill, moved by MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, seeks to address chronic payment delays faced by MSMEs and streamline dispute resolution mechanisms. 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. Mediation in disputes must be completed within 90 days, and courts must release at least 50 per cent of disputed awarded amounts to MSME suppliers if an appeal remains pending beyond six months.
The Bill’s 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.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed concern over the Opposition’s conduct, noting that Shah regularly attends Parliament during sessions.