Parliamentary proceedings have a crucial role in shaping the governance and policy framework of a country. In India, these functions are manifested through various types of Motions, such as the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, among others. This article will provide insights on such motions, their functionalities and impacts on Indian Parliamentary proceedings.
Motion of Thanks and its Role
The Motion of Thanks is derived from Article 87 of the Indian Constitution, which calls for the special address by the President. This Article mandates that the President should address both Houses of Parliament together at the commencement of the first session after each general election, and at the beginning of the first session each year.
This presidential Address, often referred to as the ‘special address’, announces the cause of summons to parliamentary sessions. It is not just a routine activity but also holds significance as it outlines the government’s policy and future course of action. If any amendments are proposed and accepted, this Motion of Thanks adopts an amended form.
Content and Significance of the President’s Address
The President’s Address is a comprehensive overview of the government’s activities during the previous year. It outlines the policies, projects, and programmes that the current government wishes to undertake concerning national and international issues. The speech also indicates legislative business proposed for the upcoming session.
The address corresponds to Britain’s ‘speech from the Throne’ and is deliberated upon in both Houses of Parliament under the ‘Motion of Thanks’. Failure to pass this motion signifies the defeat of the government, showing a lack of confidence. This expression can also occur through the rejection of a money bill, passing a censure motion or an adjournment motion, a defeat on a vital issue, or passing a cut motion.
Additional Motions in the Indian Parliament
Several other motions in the Indian Parliament serve various purposes:
– Privilege Motion: This is initiated when a member believes that a minister has withheld or distorted facts, breaching the privilege of the House or one or more of its members. Its objective is to censure the concerned minister.
– Censure Motion: This motion targets an individual minister, a group of ministers, or the entire council of ministers for specific policies and actions. It is only movable in the Lok Sabha.
– Call-Attention Motion: This motion seeks to draw a minister’s attention to a matter of urgent public importance.
– Adjournment Motion: This motion aims to attract the attention of the House to an important public urgency and involves censuring the government.
– No-Day-Yet-Named Motion: This is a motion admitted by the Speaker but yet without a fixed discussion date.
– No Confidence Motion: The passing of this motion by the Lok Sabha results in the removal of the ministry from office.
– Cut Motions: These express disapproval of the policy underlying the demand, propose to reduce the demand amount, or express a specific grievance. The passing of this motion signifies a no-confidence vote, compelling the government to resign if it fails to secure adequate numbers in the lower House.
