New Delhi, Aug. 7 : The Lok Sabha on Friday passed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, amid continued protests by Opposition members demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The MSME Bill, which seeks to replace the 2006 legislation, provides for the notification of a national digital platform for the free and voluntary registration of micro, small and medium enterprises.
Proceedings in both Houses were repeatedly disrupted as Opposition MPs raised slogans over the police action against protesters on July 20 and demanded Mr. Shah’s presence in Parliament.
In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated the demand for the Home Minister to make a statement on the issue.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju rejected the Opposition’s contention that the Chair had directed Mr. Shah to remain present in the House, saying the Opposition could not decide when a Minister should attend Parliament.
Mr. Rijiju said the Rajya Sabha Chairman had not issued any direction to any Minister regarding their presence in the House.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the government’s handling of the issue and alleged that the Home Minister was avoiding Parliament. She demanded that Mr. Shah appear in the House and respond to the Opposition’s concerns.
The Opposition has also been protesting over the alleged misappropriation of Ram temple donations and other issues during the ongoing Monsoon Session.
Amid the protests and repeated disruptions, both Houses were adjourned for the day. Parliament will reconvene on August 10 at 11 a.m.
