A recent event has brought to light the significance of the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address held in Lok Sabha. This event pertains to a remarkable facet of India’s democratic functioning and involves the President’s unique duty towards both Houses of Parliament. As specified by Article 87 of the Constitution, the President has to make this special address at the start of the first session after each general election and annually at the beginning of the first session of each year.
Unraveling the Mechanism of the President’s Address
Article 87 outlines the procedure for the President’s Address. As an annual feature, it commences the first session after each general election to the House of the People. In addition, it is also mandatory at the opening of the first session of each year. The President needs to address both Houses of Parliament, assembled together, informing them of matters influencing their summons, making it a ‘special address’. Until the Address is delivered, no other business proceedings occur. If Lok Sabha isn’t present during the commencement of the inaugural session of the year, due to dissolution, Rajya Sabha can still carry out its session even without the President’s Address. This was exemplified on 28 February 1977 when Rajya Sabha convened despite the dissolution of Lok Sabha.
The Substance of the President’s Address
Signifying the policy statement of the Government, the President’s Address is formulated by the Government. It includes a retrospective of the Government’s accomplishments from the preceding year and reveals planned policies, projects, and programmes addressing crucial national and international affairs. Proposed legislative matters for the upcoming sessions are outlined, albeit broadly, in the President’s Address.
Deciphering the Discussion on the President’s Address
The President’s Address is a matter of discussion in both Houses of Parliament through a motion, popularly known as the ‘Motion of Thanks’. The discussions serve as an opportunity for Members of Parliament to scrutinize and criticize the Government’s shortcomings and failures. Usually, this discussion spans three days. Amendments proposed and accepted during the discussion lead to the adoption of the Motion of Thanks in the modified form. These amendments can be related to matters discussed in the Address or matters perceived to have been overlooked.
The Crucial Meaning of the Motion of Thanks
The passage of the Motion of Thanks by the House is crucial as its failure equates to the defeat of the Government. The House expressing a lack of confidence in the Government is one such circumstance where the Motion of Thanks becomes pivotal. Other instances include the rejection of a money bill, the passage of a censure motion or an adjournment motion, the Government’s defeat on a vital issue, or the passing of a cut motion. These mechanisms collectively maintain the checks and balances in India’s democratic architecture.
