Prime Minister of India in Kannada for UPSC | ಭಾರತದ ಪ್ರಧಾನ ಮಂತ್ರಿ

 How and Why the Motion of Thanks Occurs

The Motion of Thanks is a parliamentary motion that follows the President’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament. It serves as a constitutional and ceremonial process with significant political implications. Below is a detailed explanation of how it occurs and its purpose.

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How the Motion of Thanks Occurs

1. President's Address:

   • The process begins with the President delivering an address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament at the start of:
     • The first session of the new Parliament after a general election.
     • The first session of each fiscal year (typically the Budget Session).
   • This address outlines the government’s policies, programs, and legislative priorities for the year.

2. Introduction of the Motion:

   • A Motion of Thanks is introduced in both the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) to formally express gratitude to the President for their address.
   • Typically, MPs from the ruling party or its allies move the motion.

3. Debate:

   • MPs from all political parties participate in the discussion.
   • This is an opportunity to:
     • Highlight the government’s achievements and future plans (for the ruling party).
     • Criticize the government’s policies, lapses, and failures (for the opposition).

4. Reply by the Prime Minister or Ministers:

   • After the debate, the Prime Minister or a senior minister responds to the points raised, defending the government’s performance and clarifying future goals.

5. Voting:

   • The Motion of Thanks is put to vote in both Houses.
   • A simple majority is required for it to pass.
   • If the motion is defeated, it implies that the government has lost the confidence of the Lok Sabha, as the motion is treated as a confidence motion.

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Why the Motion of Thanks Occurs

The Motion of Thanks serves both ceremonial and substantive purposes:

1. Constitutional Requirement:

   • It fulfills Article 87 of the Indian Constitution, which mandates that the President address the Parliament at the start of each new Parliament and every fiscal year.

2. Expression of Gratitude:

   • Formally, the motion allows Parliament to thank the President for outlining the government's vision and legislative agenda.

3. Accountability of the Government:

   • It provides an opportunity for MPs to scrutinize the government’s policies and performance over the previous year.

4. Platform for Debate:

   • The motion is a forum for open discussion on a wide range of issues, from economic performance to foreign policy and domestic governance.
   • Opposition parties can highlight failures and push for corrections or clarifications.

5. Test of Confidence:

   • Passage of the Motion of Thanks signifies that the government has the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
   • Defeat of the motion is a serious matter, potentially leading to the government’s resignation.

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Significance

The Motion of Thanks is an essential component of India’s parliamentary democracy. It ensures:

• Transparency: By debating the government’s agenda publicly.
• Accountability: By subjecting the government’s policies to parliamentary scrutiny.
• Engagement: By allowing both the ruling party and the opposition to articulate their views on governance.

Conclusion

The Motion of Thanks is a cornerstone of the legislative process, blending constitutional protocol with active political debate. It reinforces the government's accountability to Parliament and by extension, to the people.

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