Types of Motions
No discussion on an important public issue can happen unless a motion is made and approved by the presiding officer. The House expresses its views or decisions on issues by either accepting or rejecting motions, which can be proposed by either ministers or private members.
The motions proposed by members to discuss various topics fall into three main categories:
1. Substantive Motion
➡️ This is an independent motion – stands on its own.
📝 Example:
A motion to impeach the President or remove the Chief Election Commissioner.
📌 It usually relates to serious matters, like constitutional or governance issues.
- Example: A motion to impeach the President of India.
- This is a serious and independent proposal. It is self-contained and addresses a major issue by itself, like the removal of the President from office due to misconduct.
2. Substitute Motion
➡️ This is a motion that modifies or replaces the original motion.
📝 Example:
If one MP proposes “Let’s discuss price rise,” another MP can say “Let’s instead discuss inflation in fuel prices” – that’s a substitute motion.
3. Subsidiary Motion (ಸಹಾಯಕ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾವನೆ)
A Subsidiary Motion is a motion that cannot stand on its own.
It helps or affects the main motion or discussion already happening in Parliament.
✳️ There are 3 Sub-types of Subsidiary Motions:
(a) Ancillary Motion
➡️ These are routine or procedural motions that help in smooth functioning of Parliament.
📝 Example:
A motion to extend the time limit for debating a bill.
📌 It doesn't bring any new topic — just helps manage time, rules, etc.
(b) Superseding Motion
➡️ This motion is used to replace an ongoing discussion with a more urgent or important topic.
📝 Example:
If Parliament is discussing an economic policy, a member can move a motion to pause it and take up a national disaster issue instead.
📌 It overrides the current motion temporarily.
(c) Amendment Motion
➡️ This is used to modify or change a part of the main motion — without replacing the whole motion.
📝 Example:
During debate on a motion to increase minimum wage to ₹15,000, a member may propose an amendment to change it to ₹18,000.
📌 It only changes specific points in the main motion.
✅ Summary Table:
| Type of Subsidiary Motion | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ancillary Motion | Helps with procedures | Extend time for debate |
| Superseding Motion | Pause current issue & discuss urgent matter | National disaster instead of economic policy |
| Amendment Motion | Change part of the main motion | Change the amount in minimum wage proposal |
Closure Motion in Indian Parliament (ಕ್ಲೋಶರ್ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾವನೆ)
✅ What is a Closure Motion?
A Closure Motion is used to end a debate in Parliament and move directly to voting.
📌 When members feel, “Enough discussion, let’s decide now,” they can propose a Closure Motion.
If the Speaker approves and majority agrees, the debate stops, and voting begins immediately.
🧩 Types of Closure Motion:
Let’s look at the 4 main types with examples:
1️⃣ Simple Closure
➡️ A member requests:
“Debate is done. Let’s vote now.”
📝 Example: A member from the ruling party moves a motion saying, “Let us end discussion on the budget and go for voting.”
2️⃣ Closure by Compartments
➡️ A large bill is divided into sections (compartments).
Each section is discussed and voted separately.
📝 Example: In a bill with 5 sections (e.g., health, education, tax, etc.), each one is taken up one by one and voted on after discussion.
3️⃣ Kangaroo Closure
➡️ Only important sections of the bill are discussed.
Less important parts are skipped and passed automatically.
📝 Example: Only Sections 1, 3, and 5 of a bill are debated. Sections 2 and 4 are not discussed but are passed.
4️⃣ Guillotine Closure
➡️ When time is up, all remaining parts of the bill are put to vote at once — even if not discussed.
📝 Example: The Speaker says, “Time over. All pending items are now put to vote.”
🎯 Realistic Example:
Suppose the BJP government is presenting the Union Budget in Lok Sabha.
After 3 days of debate, a BJP MP moves a Simple Closure Motion:
“We’ve discussed enough, let’s vote.”
The Speaker allows it, and voting begins.
Later, if time is short and many departments haven’t been discussed, the Speaker may apply Guillotine Closure, and all pending demands are passed without further talk.
🧠 Summary Table:
| Type of Closure | What Happens | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Closure | Ends entire debate immediately | Save time |
| Closure by Compartments | Discuss & vote on bill part-by-part | Structured discussion |
| Kangaroo Closure | Only key parts discussed; rest auto-passed | Focus on important points |
| Guillotine Closure | All pending parts voted at once (time is over) | Forced decision |
Adjournment Motion
An Adjournment Motion is used in Lok Sabha to interrupt the normal business of the House and discuss an urgent matter of public importance.
📌 Kannada meaning:
ಅಡ್ಜರ್ನ್ಮೆಂಟ್ ಮೋಶನ್ = ಸದನದ ನಿಯಮಿತ ಕೆಲಸವನ್ನು ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಿ ತುರ್ತು ವಿಷಯದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಚರ್ಚೆ ಮಾಡುವ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾವನೆ
An Adjournment Motion is a tool in Parliament to focus on a specific urgent matter of public importance, often involving criticism of the government. It temporarily interrupts regular business and requires at least 50 members' support to be taken up for discussion. The debate lasts at least 2 hours and 30 minutes.
📝 Example:
Let’s say there’s a major train accident due to poor safety standards.
An MP may move an Adjournment Motion to stop all other business and demand a debate and reply from the Railway Minister.
"This is a government failure — we demand accountability!"
Restrictions for Moving an Adjournment Motion
-
Definite and Urgent Issue: The motion must address a clear, factual, urgent, and important public issue.
-
Single Topic: Only one issue can be raised at a time.
-
Recent Occurrence: The matter should be recent and specific, not general or old.
-
No Privilege Questions: Issues related to parliamentary privileges cannot be raised.
-
No Repetition: Topics already discussed in the same session cannot be brought up again.
-
No Sub Judice Matters: Issues currently under judicial consideration cannot be included.
-
No Overlapping Questions: Issues that can be raised through other motions should not be part of the adjournment motion.
Example of an Adjournment Motion:
Suppose there was a recent train derailment [train or tram leaving its tracks accidentally] caused by alleged government negligence in railway maintenance. A member of the Lok Sabha can move an adjournment motion to:
- Highlight the incident.
- Hold the government accountable for the lapses.
- Demand immediate corrective actions.
If admitted, the regular agenda is postponed, and the House debates this critical issue to draw attention and take action.
Since it involves criticizing the government, this motion is not allowed in the Rajya Sabha, which does not have a role in the formation or dismissal of the government.
🎯 Real-Life Example:
In 2008, Opposition MPs moved an Adjournment Motion in Lok Sabha over the Mumbai terror attacks, criticizing the failure of intelligence and demanding immediate action.
🔁 Difference from Call Attention Motion:
| Feature | Adjournment Motion | Call Attention Motion |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Disruptive / critical | Informative / non-disruptive |
| Voting | May lead to voting | ❌ No voting |
| Target | Government failure | Minister’s explanation |
| Allowed in | Only Lok Sabha | Both Houses |
| Severity | High (Govt can fall if defeated) | Moderate |
No-Confidence Motion
-
Collective Responsibility: The council of ministers must have the confidence of the majority in the Lok Sabha to remain in office (Article 75).
-
Purpose: If the majority of Lok Sabha members lose trust in the government, they can remove it by passing a no-confidence motion.
-
Support to Introduce: To introduce a no-confidence motion, at least 50 members of the Lok Sabha must support it.
-
Outcome: If the motion is passed, the government must resign.
Here’s an example using the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) to explain a No-Confidence Motion:
Suppose the BJP-led government is in power in the Lok Sabha. The BJP has 303 MPs, and with its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the total support in the Lok Sabha is 350 MPs out of 543 (a clear majority).
Step-by-step Example:
-
Opposition Initiates the No-Confidence Motion:
Opposition parties like the Congress and others are dissatisfied with the BJP's policies or governance and want to challenge the government. They file a No-Confidence Motion against the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. -
Admittance of Motion:
For the motion to be accepted, at least 50 MPs must support its introduction. Since the Opposition collectively has more than 50 MPs, the motion is admitted. -
Debate in Lok Sabha:
A debate takes place in the Lok Sabha, where the Opposition criticizes the government’s performance and presents reasons why they no longer have confidence in it. The BJP and its allies defend their position and showcase their achievements. -
Voting on the Motion:
After the debate, voting takes place. Let’s say:- BJP and NDA allies have 350 votes (majority support).
- The Opposition, including Congress and others, gather 193 votes.
-
Result:
Since the BJP-NDA has a majority (350 > 272 required for a majority), the No-Confidence Motion fails. The BJP government remains in power.
If the BJP Loses Majority:
Imagine a scenario where BJP allies withdraw support, and the BJP ends up with only 260 MPs in favor, while the Opposition gathers 283 votes. In this case, the No-Confidence Motion passes, and the BJP government would have to resign. A new government would then be formed, or fresh elections might be called.
This is how the No-Confidence Motion works in practical terms.
Confidence Motion:
A Confidence Motion is a tool used in Parliament to prove that the government has the support of the majority of Lok Sabha members.
Why is it Needed?
- Hung Parliament: When no party has a clear majority after elections.
- Minority or Coalition Governments: When the ruling party has only a slim majority or depends on allies to stay in power.
- President's Requirement: The President may ask a newly formed government to prove its majority.
How it Works?
- Motion Moved by the Government: The Prime Minister or a minister from the ruling party introduces the Confidence Motion in Lok Sabha.
- Voting by Members: Members of Lok Sabha vote for or against the motion.
- If the majority supports the motion, the government stays in power.
- If the motion fails, the government loses its majority and must resign.
Example
Imagine a party like BJP forms the government with the support of allies but has only a slight majority.
- If there are doubts about the government’s support, the President asks BJP to move a Confidence Motion.
- BJP introduces the motion, and members vote:
- If BJP gets more than 272 votes, the motion passes, and BJP continues in power.
- If BJP gets less than 272 votes, the motion fails, and the BJP government falls.
This ensures that only a government with majority support can rule.
Censure Motion
A Censure Motion is used in Parliament to express strong disapproval or criticism of the government's policies, actions, or a specific minister. It serves as a warning or reprimand and allows the House to hold the government accountable.
Key Features:
-
Purpose:
To criticize a government action or policy. -
Target:
Can be against the government as a whole or a specific minister. -
Effect:
If passed, it shows the government's policies have been rejected, but it does not mean the government must resign. -
Who Can Move It:
Members of the opposition usually move a censure motion. -
Discussion:
The motion is discussed in the House, and members vote on it.
Example:
Imagine the opposition accuses the BJP government of mishandling inflation. The opposition introduces a Censure Motion in the Lok Sabha, criticizing the government’s economic policies.
During the debate:
- Opposition members present their arguments against the government.
- Government members defend their policies.
If the motion is passed, it shows Parliament disapproves of the government’s actions, but the BJP government doesn’t have to resign. However, it damages the government’s image and forces it to rethink its policies.
Motion of Thanks
The Motion of Thanks is a parliamentary procedure that follows the President's speech in Parliament. Here's how it works:
-
When is it Introduced?
- First session after general elections: A new government takes charge.
- First session of every fiscal year: Marks the beginning of the annual parliamentary calendar.
-
What Happens in the President's Address?
- The President gives a speech outlining the government's achievements over the past year and its plans for the upcoming year.
- This is similar to the 'Speech from the Throne' in Britain.
-
What is the Motion of Thanks?
- After the President's speech, Parliament members discuss the speech through a motion called the Motion of Thanks.
- Members of Parliament use this opportunity to:
- Criticize the government for any failures.
- Debate the policies and plans mentioned.
-
Voting on the Motion
- The motion is then put to a vote.
- If passed: The government has the confidence of Parliament.
- If defeated: It shows that the government has lost the support of the majority, and it is seen as a serious setback that could lead to the government's resignation.
Example
If the President praises the government for initiatives like economic reforms or welfare schemes, members from the opposition may use the Motion of Thanks to criticize shortcomings, like unemployment or inflation.
At the end, if the majority of MPs approve the motion, it passes. If not, it indicates a lack of confidence in the government.
No-Day-Yet-Named Motion
This motion is a procedural tool that provides flexibility in scheduling parliamentary debates.
-
What It Is:
- A motion admitted by the Speaker but without a specific date fixed for its discussion.
- The motion remains pending until the Speaker allots time for debate.
-
How It Works:
- The Speaker considers the state of business in the House and consults with the Leader of the House or acts on recommendations from the Business Advisory Committee.
- Based on this consultation, the Speaker schedules a day or part of a day for discussion.
-
Purpose:
- To manage parliamentary business efficiently by addressing less urgent matters at a suitable time.
- Provides flexibility for the House to prioritize pressing legislative or national issues.
-
Example:
If an MP introduces a motion to discuss a policy issue that is important but not immediately critical (e.g., reforms in the education sector), the Speaker can admit it as a "No-Day-Yet-Named Motion" and allocate time when the legislative agenda allows.
Dilatory Motion
This motion is a procedural mechanism to delay or postpone the discussion or progress of a matter in the House.
-
What It Is:
- A motion seeking adjournment of debate on a bill, motion, or resolution.
- Often used to delay the legislative process or to allow more time for deliberation.
-
How It Works:
- Any MP can move a dilatory motion after another motion is made.
- The debate on the dilatory motion must focus solely on the reason for delaying the matter.
-
Speaker's Role:
- If the Speaker finds the motion legitimate, it is put to vote.
- If the Speaker deems it an abuse of parliamentary rules, they can either reject the motion outright or put it to vote without further debate.
-
Purpose:
- To seek additional time for review or negotiation on contentious issues.
- To delay proceedings strategically, often used by the opposition or dissenting MPs.
-
Example:
During the debate on a controversial bill (e.g., a bill on land acquisition), opposition MPs might move a dilatory motion to postpone the discussion, citing the need for further stakeholder consultation.
Comparison: No-Day-Yet-Named Motion vs. Dilatory Motion
| Feature | No-Day-Yet-Named Motion | Dilatory Motion |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | To defer scheduling of a motion for discussion. | To delay or adjourn ongoing discussion. |
| Initiated By | Speaker (after admitting the motion). | Any MP during debate. |
| Purpose | Flexibility in legislative scheduling. | To delay or oppose progress. |
| Speaker's Role | Decides when to schedule the motion. | Decides whether to admit or reject it. |
| Example Scenario | A general policy debate scheduled later. | Postponing a controversial bill's debate. |
Point of Order
A Point of Order is a request made by a member of Parliament when they believe the rules or procedures of the House are not being followed correctly.
- It focuses on whether the business being conducted is following the rules or the Constitution.
- A Point of Order can only be raised if the proceedings are not in order.
- The Speaker decides whether the Point of Order is valid.
- No debate is allowed on a Point of Order, and it temporarily stops the regular discussion in the House.
In short, it is a way for members to make sure everything is being done according to the rules.
Half-an-Hour Discussion:
-
Purpose: This type of discussion is for addressing an issue of public importance that has already been debated, but still needs further clarification on certain factual details.
-
Time Allocation: The Speaker of the House can assign three days per week for these discussions.
-
Key Point: There is no formal motion or voting involved in this type of discussion.
Example: If there is ongoing debate about a public health crisis and more factual information is needed to clarify specific aspects, a half-an-hour discussion can be used to address it without a vote.
Short Duration Discussion:
-
Purpose: This discussion is for matters of urgent public importance that need to be addressed quickly.
-
Time Allocation: The discussion is limited to two hours and can be scheduled for two days a week by the Speaker of the House.
-
Key Points:
- There is no formal motion required.
- There is no voting involved in this type of discussion.
Example: If a sudden natural disaster occurs and the Parliament needs to discuss immediate government response actions, a short-duration discussion can be scheduled for two hours to address the issue, without a formal vote.
Resolutions:
A resolution is a formal proposal put forward by a member in the Parliament to draw attention to matters of public interest or concern. Once a resolution is moved, the discussion on it must remain relevant to the topic of the resolution.
Here are the key points:
Types of Resolutions:
-
Private Member's Resolution:
- Moved by a member who is not a minister (a private member).
- Discussed only on alternate Fridays in the afternoon session.
-
Government Resolution:
- Moved by a government minister.
- Can be taken up for discussion any day from Monday to Thursday.
-
Statutory Resolution:
- Can be moved by either a private member or a minister.
- It is required by a specific law or constitutional provision, like a bill that must be passed by Parliament.
Differences between Resolutions and Motions:
- Resolution: Always comes under the category of "substantive motion," meaning it is a formal proposal that requires the House to make a decision by voting on it.
- Motions: Not all motions are substantive or require a vote. For example, some motions can be for procedural purposes or temporary measures.
Key Point:
- Resolutions must always be voted on by the House, whereas some motions do not necessarily require a vote.
Youth Parliament:
The Youth Parliament scheme was introduced following the recommendation of the Fourth All India Whips Conference. The main objectives of this scheme are:
-
To Educate the Youth: The scheme aims to help young people understand the practices and procedures of Parliament, making them aware of the democratic processes.
-
To Foster Discipline and Tolerance: It encourages the youth to develop qualities like discipline, tolerance, and character through their participation in parliamentary activities.
-
To Promote Democratic Values: The scheme helps students learn the core values of democracy and gives them a better understanding of how democratic institutions function.
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs supports the implementation of the scheme, providing necessary training and guidance to states for introducing Youth Parliaments.
#targetiakannada