What is the Motion of Thanks ?

The Motion of Thanks is another traditional form of parliamentary procedure conducted within India. It comes after the President’s joint session address to parliamentarians at the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. It is an Indian constitutional tradition that has formed the basis of the country’s governmental interactions between the executive branch and the chambers of the legislature. Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about the Motion of Thanks, what it is and what it means:

President’s Address to Parliament

The President of India, in his first speech to both Houses of Parliament, that is usually held in the first sitting of the session, every year gives his speech of the year . This occurs twice: Once after each general election and then at the beginning of the first annual sitting The rule provided that it should be done once after each general election and then at beginning of first annual session. These addresses are, therefore, not mere political rituals; they define priorities for the government for the entire year, as well as highlight what has been done in the previous year. According to the INA, these addresses are within the right and mandate of the President under articles 86 and 87 of the Constitution of India. While Article 86 empowers the President to make a speech to the either house of Parliament separately or combined, Article 87 concerns itself with the two composite speeches annually.

Article 86: Right of President to Address and Send Messages to Parliament

Article 86 grants several powers to the President concerning communications with Parliament:

1. Address to Parliament: The President has the right to address either House of Parliament or both Houses assembled together. This means the President can speak to either the Lok Sabha (the Lower House) or the Rajya Sabha (the Upper House) individually, or in a joint session. This address can be made at any time the President feels it necessary to communicate with Parliament.
2. Sending Messages: Besides formal addresses, the President can also send messages to either House of Parliament, regarding any pending bills or other matters, with the message then being read out by the Chairperson of the respective House.

Article 87: Special Provisions Relating to the President’s Address

Article 87 focuses on specific instances when the President addresses Parliament, marking significant ceremonial occasions in the parliamentary calendar:

1. First Session after General Elections: After each general election, at the start of the first session of the newly formed Lok Sabha, the President addresses both Houses of Parliament assembled together. This address serves as a key feature of parliamentary proceedings, setting the legislative agenda and priorities of the government. It is the first opportunity for the new government to outline its policy agenda and goals.
2. Commencement of the First Annual Session: At the beginning of the first session each year, the President again addresses both Houses assembled together. This annual address is akin to the State of the Union address in the United States, where the President reviews the work of the past year and outlines the government’s focus for the coming year.

In both cases detailed in Article 87, no other business is transacted until the President has made the address, emphasizing the importance of these addresses in setting the legislative agenda for Parliament.

Significance of These Articles:

These articles make the President, as the head of the state, to have a formal allotted place in the legislation process but in fact this is pure formality and the President is not involved in the management of the government every day. The addresses are as important for the structure of the Indian parliamentary system as they contribute to the regime of accountability of the Executive to the Legislature and offer the framework of the organized process in which the government avows, in public, about its commitment to some of the measures and policies.

The Importance of the Motion of Thanks

The Procedure of the Motion of Thanks After the President’s speech, , the Parliament passes the Motion of Thanks. This motion is giving a formal indication on the endorsement of the speech by the President. Their observance presupposes the commitment of the Parliament to the recognition and consideration of the government’s policy direction and accomplishment as presented by the President. They debate about this motion whereby each Member of Parliament (MP) expresses opinions concerning various issues of the country stated in the speech.

Procedure and Discussion

The motion of thanks has to be passed by both houses of Parliament. Even after the address, MPs debate it in an elaborate manner and this could take several days. It is at this stage that the MPs can contribute speaking to the motion or propose amendments to it. Such amendments may indicate a disagreement with one or another part of the address or signal changes in the government policy the speech writer wants to suggest.

What happens if the Motion of Thanks is not passed?

If the Motion of Thanks fails to pass in either house, it is seen as a significant sign of no confidence in the government. Although it’s rare, such a failure can lead to the government’s fall, indicating that it no longer holds the majority support of the Parliament necessary to govern.

Amendments and Voting

Amendments to the Motion of Thanks are particularly noteworthy. In the Lok Sabha, any amendment passed is considered a direct expression of no confidence in the government. If such an amendment is approved, it suggests that the government lacks the support of the majority of the Lok Sabha members, potentially leading to calls for the government to resign.

Prime Minister’s Role

The discussion on the Motion of Thanks is concluded with a response from the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister addresses the concerns and issues raised by MPs during the debate. This response is crucial as it reflects the government’s stance on criticisms and suggestions made during the discussion.

 

Time limit for the Motion of Thanks

The discussion on the Motion of Thanks is typically allotted 3 to 4 days, depending on the decision of the Business Advisory Committee of the house.

Motion of Thanks of Governor

The Motion of Thanks is similar across different levels of government, including the states where the Governor addresses the legislative assemblies.

How Do You End a Vote of Thanks Speech?

Ending a vote of thanks speech typically involves expressing gratitude to all participants, highlighting key contributions, and closing with a positive note.

Motion of Thanks Passed by Which Majority

The Motion of Thanks must be passed by a simple majority in both houses of Parliament. This majority reflects the support for the government’s policies and priorities as outlined in the President’s address.

Motion of Thanks in Hindi

In Hindi, the Motion of Thanks is referred to as “धन्यवाद प्रस्ताव”. It is a formal acknowledgment of the President’s speech and the government’s agenda.

Can Motion of Thanks be Amended?

Yes, the Motion of Thanks can be amended. Members of Parliament can propose amendments to express dissent or suggest changes to the government’s policies highlighted in the President’s address.

What is Motion of Thanks to President?

The Motion of Thanks to the President is a formal resolution moved in Parliament to thank the President for his address. It signifies the Parliament’s acknowledgment of the government’s agenda and policies.

What is Motion of Thanks in Parliament?

The Motion of Thanks in Parliament is a critical event where members debate the President’s address. It allows MPs to discuss the government’s performance and policy direction.

Motion of Thanks Meaning in Tamil

In Tamil, the Motion of Thanks is referred to as “நன்றி மசோதா”. It is an integral part of parliamentary procedures in Tamil Nadu and other Tamil-speaking regions.

Motion of Thanks Defeated in Rajya Sabha

If the Motion of Thanks is defeated in the Rajya Sabha, it indicates a lack of majority support for the government in the upper house, which can have significant political implications.

Motion of Thanks to President Address

The Motion of Thanks to the President’s address is a formal motion moved in Parliament expressing gratitude for the President’s speech, outlining the government’s agenda for the year.

Motion of Thanks Meaning in Telugu

In Telugu, the Motion of Thanks is called “ధన్యవాద తీర్మానం”. It is a formal procedure conducted in Telugu-speaking states as part of the legislative process.

Motion of Thanks is Moved By

The Motion of Thanks is typically moved by a senior member of the ruling party in Parliament. This member initiates the discussion on the President’s address.

Motion of Thanks Meaning in Urdu

In Urdu, the Motion of Thanks is referred to as “شکریہ تحریک”. It is a parliamentary process conducted in Urdu-speaking regions.

Motion of Thanks is Addressed To

The Motion of Thanks is addressed to the President of India, thanking him for his address to both Houses of Parliament.

How to Thank Speaker After an Event

To thank the speaker after an event, express sincere gratitude, highlight the key points they made, and appreciate their contribution to the event’s success.

What Happens if Motion of Thanks is Not Passed?

If the Motion of Thanks is not passed, it is considered a significant sign of no confidence in the government, which can lead to serious political consequences, including the fall of the government.

Time Limit for Motion of Thanks in Rajya Sabha

The discussion on the Motion of Thanks in the Rajya Sabha is typically allotted 3 to 4 days, depending on the house’s schedule and the decision of the Business Advisory Committee.

Conclusion

The Motion of Thanks is a cornerstone of parliamentary democracy in India. It facilitates a structured and formal discussion on the government’s agenda and policies as outlined in the President’s address. Through this motion, Parliament expresses its support—or lack thereof—for the executive branch of the government. This process not only ensures accountability but also underpins the democratic principle of checks and balances within the government.

Understanding these procedures helps clarify how policy is reviewed and endorsed in one of the world’s largest democracies, providing insights into the operational dynamics of the Indian parliamentary system.