New Delhi: Parliament has passed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with the Lok Sabha approving the legislation on Friday. The Rajya Sabha had already passed the Bill on Monday.
The Bill was moved in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister for MSME Jitan Ram Manjhi after the House resumed proceedings at noon. The legislation seeks to address delays in payments to MSMEs and streamline the process of resolving disputes.
Under the amended provisions, every central public sector enterprise will be required to clear invoices for goods and services procured from MSMEs through the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS).
The Bill also lays down a fixed timeline for dispute resolution. If mediation fails, the matter must be referred to arbitration within 30 days from the termination of mediation proceedings. It further provides that an arbitration award must be issued within 90 days after completion of pleadings.
The legislation also states that if a case remains pending for more than six months, at least 50 per cent of the awarded amount must be paid to the supplier.
Meanwhile, proceedings in the Lok Sabha were disrupted due to protests by opposition members over alleged police action during student demonstrations. The opposition demanded a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue.
Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid tributes to freedom fighters and martyrs on the occasion of the 84th anniversary of the Quit India Movement. Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s “Do or Die” call, Birla said the movement represented national unity, courage and the values of democracy and the Constitution.
The Speaker also appealed to protesting members to allow the House to function, saying repeated use of posters and banners disrupted proceedings and affected the dignity of Parliament.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticised the opposition’s conduct, expressing concern over repeated disruptions.
As the uproar continued, the presiding officer adjourned the Lok Sabha for the day, with the House scheduled to meet again at 11 am on Monday.