Amid Opposition protests, Rajya Sabha passes MSME Bill
The Rajya Sabha passed the MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, amid protests from the Opposition regarding police action against students. The bill aims to improve liquidity for small businesses by mandating invoice settlements through a digital platform.
Why it matters
The legislation is a significant economic policy move intended to support the MSME sector, which contributes substantially to India's GDP and manufacturing output.
Amid the Opposition’s uproar demanding an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the police action against protesting youth and students, the Rajya Sabha on Monday (August 3, 2026) passed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Upper House functioned for only 19 minutes in the morning, and after reconvening in the afternoon, was adjourned for the day soon after the Bill was passed.
Opposition members did not participate in the discussion on the Bill. Amendments moved by INDIA bloc members Ajay Maken, John Brittas, V. Sivadasan and A.A. Rahim were defeated by a voice vote.
Parliament Monsoon Session: Follow LIVE updates on August 3, 2026
The Bill, which replaces the 2006 Act, provides for the notification of a national digital platform for the free and voluntary registration of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
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