MOTION OF THANKS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Both Houses of Parliament will resume discussion on Motion of Thanks on President's address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Motion of Thanks

• History: This corresponds to the ‘Speech from the Throne in Britain’.
• Article 87: It outlines provisions for a special address by the President.
• Presidential Address: The President addresses the first session post-general elections and the inaugural session of each fiscal year. The President’s Address is the government’s statement of policy. So, the government drafts it and is responsible for its contents.
• Government Policy: During this address, the President elucidates the government's policies and programs from the past year and forthcoming year.
• Parliamentary Discussion: Both Houses of Parliament deliberate on this presidential address through a motion known as the 'Motion of Thanks.'
• Voting on the Motion: After the discussion, the motion undergoes a voting process, and it must be approved by the House.
• Significance of Approval: Failure to pass this motion signifies the government's defeat and poses a critical juncture in parliamentary proceedings.

Other Motions

• Privilege Motion: Any member from either house(Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) can move a notice in the form of a motion against the member who he/she thinks is guilty of the breach of privilege.
• Censure motion: A censure literally means expression of strong disapproval or harsh criticism.
• No-confidence motion: As per Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha, any member of the house can move a no-confidence motion. 
• Adjournment Motion: It is the procedure for adjournment of the business of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, which can be moved with the consent of the Speaker. 
• No-Day-Yet-Named Motion: If the Speaker admits notice of a motion and no date is fixed for its discussion, it is called a ‘No-Day-yet-Named Motion’.
• Dilatory Motion: A motion for the adjournment of the debate or a motion to retard or delay the progress of the business under consideration of the House.