The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026 amid continuous protests by Opposition members demanding an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the police action against protesting youth and students. The House functioned briefly in the morning and, after reconvening in the afternoon, adjourned for the day soon after the Bill was passed.
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New Law Introduced Digital Registration and Faster Payments
The legislation replaces the MSME Development Act, 2006 and provides for the creation of a national digital platform for the free and voluntary registration of micro, small and medium enterprises. It also seeks to improve liquidity by making it mandatory for all Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to route payments for goods and services procured from MSMEs through the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS).
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Opposition Stayed Away from Debate
Opposition members did not participate in the discussion on the Bill. Amendments moved by INDIA bloc MPs Ajay Maken, John Brittas, V. Sivadasan and A.A. Rahim were put to a voice vote and rejected. The Bill was subsequently passed without any participation from the Opposition benches.
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Government Cited MSMEs’ Growing Economic Contribution
Replying to the debate, Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said the government remained committed to strengthening the MSME sector and addressing its long-standing liquidity concerns. He noted that MSMEs contribute around 31% of India’s GDP, 36% of manufacturing output, and 41% of exports. The minister also said outstanding credit to the sector had increased from about Rs. 10 lakh crore in 2014-15 to over Rs. 38.35 lakh crore, describing the legislation as another step towards improving the business environment for small enterprises.
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