On Monday, the Rajya Sabha passed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill while facing continuous protests and chanting from Opposition members. They demanded the Home Minister’s presence and raised concerns over alleged police violence during recent student demonstrations in Delhi.
This Bill aims to modify the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act of 2006, granting courts the authority to mandate that at least 50 percent of the awarded sum be paid to MSME suppliers if an application to annul an order is pending for over six months.
When the House reconvened at 2 p.m., Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh invited MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi to initiate the discussion on the Bill. As the discussion commenced, Opposition members insisted that Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge should speak first.
The Deputy Chairman refused, citing a previous ruling from the Chairman. However, after ongoing disruptions, Kharge was eventually allowed to address the House, stating, “Kya aasman gir jayega agar mujhe paanch minute sun lenge…” and mentioning the Ram Janmabhoomi controversy.
Before he could conclude, Leader of House J.P. Nadda interrupted, stating that the minister had already begun the discourse and that it should proceed. Congress member Ajay Maken was then recognized, expressing astonishment at the restriction placed on the Leader of Opposition, noting that he had never witnessed such an occurrence in his extensive parliamentary experience.
As Maken connected the Bill’s discussion to the alleged mistreatment of youth and students, the Deputy Chairman cautioned him that off-topic remarks would not be recorded. Nadda requested that Maken’s comments be expunged. When given another opportunity, Maken promised to remain relevant to the Bill but highlighted the absence of the Home Minister.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju remarked that Maken had missed the opportunity to discuss the subject despite three chances. This prompted fresh slogans from the Opposition calling for the Home Minister’s attendance.
Numerous members, including John Brittas from CPI(M), raised points of order under Rule 258. The Deputy Chairman noted that points of order could not be raised amidst the ongoing disruptions but allowed the interjections. Brittas attempted to emphasize the necessity of having the Home Minister present but was interrupted.
Despite the chaotic environment, several members spoke regarding the Bill, including Dr. Santrupt Misra (BJD, Odisha), Golababurao (YSRCP, Andhra Pradesh), M. Thambidurai (AIADMK, Tamil Nadu), Rajendra Hiralal Jain (NCP, Maharashtra), Mastan Rao Yadav Beedha (TDP, Andhra Pradesh), Ravichandra Vaddiraju (BRS, Telangana), Pramod Boro (UPPL, Assam), Sanjay Seth (BJP, Uttar Pradesh), and Ramji (BSP, Uttar Pradesh).
Opposition members continued to chant slogans and interrupt speakers. CPI(M) member V. Sivadasan (Kerala) pointed out the closure of certain metro stations during the student protests in Delhi and the cases filed against MSMEs and students, asserting these were connected to the Bill.
The Chair repeatedly instructed him to remain on topic and ultimately cut him off when he related the issue of raw material availability to the student protests. J&K National Conference member Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan and Congress member Praveen Chakravarthy (Tamil Nadu) also attempted to address allegations of violence against students but were not allowed to continue by the Deputy Chairman.
Opposition members persistently tried to relate the discussion to the metro station closures during the student protests and the legal actions against students and MSMEs. The Chair consistently intervened, directing them to focus on the Bill and ultimately halting several speakers. The Bill was passed despite the ongoing protests, with the Opposition demanding justice for students and calling for the Home Minister’s presence in the House.
