Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Rajya Sabha Passes MSME Bill Amid Opposition Protests
The Indian Parliament’s upper house, the Rajya Sabha, approved a new law to help small and medium businesses get paid faster.
The bill says courts must pay at least half of a settlement if a case is stuck for more than six months.
It also lets the government recover unpaid agreements as tax debts.
Some opposition members shouted slogans and asked the Home Minister to answer questions about student protests.
The government said the bill will help the economy because these businesses make a big part of India’s goods and jobs.
Rajya Sabha passed the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to speed up payments and strengthen MSMEs.
Bill mandates courts to order at least 50% payment if set‑aside applications are pending over six months and allows recovery of settlement agreements as land‑revenue arrears.
Opposition members disrupted the debate, demanding Home Minister Amit Shah’s presence to address police action on students protesting the NEET exam paper leak.
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi defended the bill, citing MSMEs’ 31% contribution to GDP and 41% to exports, and expressed surprise at opposition protests.
The bill also decriminalises certain offences, creates a national digital registration platform, and requires public sector enterprises to route invoice settlements through the Trade Receivables Discounting System.
- Who
- Union Minister for MSME Jitan Ram Manjhi, Rajya Sabha members, opposition leaders
- What
- Passed the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- When
- Monday, August 3, 2026
- Where
- Rajya Sabha, New Delhi
- Why
- To address delayed payments, improve liquidity, and strengthen MSMEs
- Bill name
- Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Date passed
- August 3, 2026
- Key provision
- Courts must order 50% payment if set‑aside pending >6 months
- Opposition protest
- Demanded Home Minister Amit Shah’s presence over student protests
- MSME contribution
- 31% of India’s GDP, 41% of exports
