The Prime Minister recently responded to the motion of thanks to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha, bringing this traditional practice back into the spotlight. This article dives into the specifics of the President’s address, its constitutional provisions, its content, and the ensuing discussion and criticism it arouses in both Houses of Parliament.
President’s Address: Constitutional Provisions
As per Article 87 of the Constitution, the President is obliged to address a joint sitting on two special occasions – at the beginning of the first session after each general election to the House of the People, and at the start of the first session each year. The President uses this ‘special address’ as an opportunity to inform Parliament about the reasons for its summoning. This address is conducted annually, with no other business taking place until the President has addressed both Houses.
Joint Session Specifications
The President’s Address must be delivered to both Houses of Parliament assembled together. However, if the Lok Sabha doesn’t exist at the start of the year’s first session due to dissolution, it’s the responsibility of the Rajya Sabha to meet independently, without needing the President’s Address. After general elections, the President addresses both Houses once the members have taken the oath or affirmation and the Speaker has been elected.
Content of the President’s Address
The President’s Address, drafted by the Government, symbolizes the government’s policy statement. It reviews the government’s activities and achievements from the past year and outlines the policies and projects that the current government plans to implement concerning significant national and international issues.
Discussion on the Address: Motion of Thanks
Following the President’s Address, both Houses conduct a discussion on a motion known as the ‘Motion of Thanks’. Article 87 (2) of the Constitution mandates that sufficient time be allocated for the discussion regarding matters brought up in the President’s Address. According to Rule 15 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Rajya Sabha, the Motion of Thanks is moved and seconded by two members chosen by the Prime Minister.
Procedure for the Motion of Thanks
The Motion of Thanks allows Parliament members to criticize the government and administration for any perceived faults or failures. Typically, three days are allocated for discussion on the Motion of Thanks. Any accepted amendments result in the Motion of Thanks being adopted in its revised form. These amendments can pertain to matters in the Address or elements that a member believes were overlooked.
Significance of the Motion of Thanks
The importance of the Motion of Thanks comes into play because it must be passed in the House; its defeat would symbolize the defeat of the government. The Lok Sabha can express its lack of confidence in the government via other means as well, including rejecting a money bill, passing a censure motion or an adjournment motion, defeating the government on an essential issue, or passing a cut motion.
