Motion of Thanks

News Excerpt:

Recently, the Prime Minister of India replied to the ‘Motion of Thanks’ on the president’s address, which was delivered on the first day of the Budget Session in the Parliament.

About President’s Address:

  • The President’s Address to both Houses of Parliament assembled together is a solemn and formal act under the Constitution. 
  • Article 86(1) of the Constitution provides that the President may address either House of Parliament or both Houses assembled together, and for that purpose require the attendance of members. 
  • Article 87 of the constitution provides two instances when the President specially addresses both Houses of Parliament. 
    • The President of India addresses both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha at the beginning of the first Session after each general election when the reconstituted lower house meets for the first time. 
    • The President also addresses both the houses at beginning of the first session of each year.
  • The President’s speech essentially highlights the government’s policy priorities and plans for the upcoming year.
  • The address provides a broad framework of the government’s agenda and direction.

About Motion of Thanks:

  • Definition: 
    • A formal motion moved in the House, expressing its gratitude to the President for the Address delivered by him/her under Article 87(1) of the Constitution to both Houses of Parliament assembled together.
  • Process: 
    • After a copy of the President’s Address is laid on the table of the Rajya Sabha, the President’s Address is discussed in the House on a Motion of Thanks moved by a Member and seconded by another Member of the Ruling Party. 
    • Notice, given in writing, for the Motion of Thanks, is received from the Members through the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and, after approval of the Secretary-General, included in the List of Business as per provisions of Rule 14 of the Rules of Procedure.
  • Amendments to the Motion of Thanks: Notices, given in writing, of amendments criticising the policy of the government enunciated in the president’s address or highlighting the issues that do not find a mention are received from the members under Rule 16. 
    • Amendments may be moved to the Motion of Thanks in such form as may be considered appropriate by the Chairman.
  • The Motion of Thanks is put to vote at the end of the discussion. The House needs to approve it, otherwise, it will amount to the government’s defeat (in case of Lok sabha). 
  • After the Motion has been discussed and adopted by the House, the Legislative Section drafts a letter to be sent by the Chairman to the President, conveying to him the adoption of the Motion by the House. 
    • The letter after approval and signature of the Chairman, is sent to the President by Special messenger. 
    • The message of the President conveying his satisfaction is then read in the House if it is in session or published in Bulletin Part-II if the House is not in session.

Conclusion:

The Motion of Thanks in India's Parliament allows discussion on the President's Address, with members proposing amendments to criticize government policies. Its adoption shows government backing, rejection implies defeat.

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