IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

Motion of Thanks

5th February, 2022 GOVERNANCE

 

Context:

  • Amendments to the Motion of Thanks for the President's Address have recently been proposed (However, not passed).
  • The government's alleged use of Pegasus spyware and its handling of the Covid-19 outbreak were also referenced in the amendment proposal.

About Motion of Thanks

  • The President's special address is outlined in Article 87.
  • The President should address both Houses of Parliament assembled together and tell Parliament of the causes of its summons at the start of the first session after each general election to the House of the People and at the start of the first session of each year, according to the article.
  • This type of address is known as a ‘special address,' and it is also a recurring feature.
  • This speech must be delivered to both Houses of Parliament.

Content of motion of thanks

  • The President's Address is the Government's policy statement, and it is written by the Government.
  • The Address includes an assessment of the government's many actions and accomplishments over the previous year, as well as the policies, projects, and programmes that the current government intends to pursue in relation to major national and international issues.
  • The Address also outlines, in broad terms, the items of legislative business that will be brought forward during the year's sessions.
  • The president's message, known as the "speech from the Throne in Britain," is debated in both Houses of Parliament on a resolution known as the "Motion of Thanks."

 

Significance of motion of thanks

  • The House must approve the Motion of Thanks. Otherwise, it equates to the government's defeat. It is one of the methods in which the Lok Sabha can express its dissatisfaction with the government. Other options include:
    • Rejection of a money bill.
    • Passing a motion of censure or adjournment.
    • The government's defeat on a critical subject.
    • A cut motion is being passed.