Parliament approves Small and Medium Enterprises Development Bill

New Delhi, May 22 (UNI) Parliamentary approval was today accorded to the Small-Micro and Medium Enterprises Development Bill, 2006 that seeks to protect small and tiny sector industries with the Rajya Sabha adopting the measure as passed already by the Lok Sabha.

The Bill was passed by a voice vote with the hope of ushering in a new developmental era for this sector to meet the global challenges.

Replying to the discussion on the Bill, Minister for Small Scale and Agro Rural Industries Mahabir Prasad assured the members that while framing the policy he will keep in consideration the suggestions made by them.

He said, ''I accept that this sector contributes 39 per cent of the production and 34 per cent in exports.'' ''I will make a lot of endeavour to strengthen the SSI in the field of competition, create employment and eradicate poverty,'' Mr Prasad said.

Participating in the debate x x x eds: here pick up from para two of 'PAR 32 -- Economy-Small Industries RS'.

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