Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in Parliament

Context:
Both Houses of Parliament recently discussed the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address delivered by President Droupadi Murmu at the start of the Budget Session.

Key Highlights:

What is the Motion of Thanks?

• The Motion of Thanks is a formal resolution moved in both Houses of Parliament to express gratitude to the President for the Special Address delivered to a joint sitting of Parliament.
• The Address occurs:
  • At the beginning of the first session after a general election, and
  • At the beginning of the first session each year.
• It allows Parliament to debate the Government’s policies and programmes outlined in the Address.

Origin and Background

• The practice originates from the Westminster parliamentary tradition.
• In India, it has been adapted within the constitutional framework of parliamentary democracy.
• The President’s Address reflects the policy agenda of the Government, as it is:
  • Drafted by the Council of Ministers
  • Approved by the Cabinet
• Discussion on the Address takes place only through the Motion of Thanks, not directly on the Address itself.

Key Features of the Motion

• Moved and seconded by Members of Parliament chosen by the Government through the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
• Wide scope of discussion:
  • MPs may raise any national or international issue, even if it is not mentioned in the President’s Address.

Amendments by Opposition

• Opposition members may propose amendments expressing regret that certain issues were omitted or inadequately addressed.
• If such amendments are accepted, the Motion is passed in an amended form.

Prime Minister’s Reply

• The debate concludes with a reply by the Prime Minister, addressing concerns raised by members.

Voting Process

• After the debate, the Motion is put to vote in each House.
• If amendments are adopted, the Motion is passed with those amendments included.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Article 86(1) of the Constitution
  • Empowers the President to address either House or both Houses of Parliament assembled together.
• Article 87(1)
  • Mandates a Special Address by the President:
    • At the commencement of the first session after a general election.
    • At the first session of Parliament each year.
• Article 87(2)
  • Requires Parliament to frame rules for discussion on matters referred to in the President’s Address, which is done through the Motion of Thanks.
• President’s Address
  • Delivered to a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.
  • Represents the Government’s policy priorities and legislative agenda.
• Budget Session
  • Usually the longest session of Parliament.
  • Begins with the President’s Address and discussion on the Motion of Thanks.
• Joint Sitting of Parliament
  • Includes Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members.
  • Presided over by the Speaker of Lok Sabha.

Relevant Mains Points:

• Importance for Parliamentary Accountability
  • The Motion of Thanks allows Parliament to examine the government’s policy direction.
  • Enables scrutiny of executive actions and priorities.
• Democratic Deliberation
  • Provides the first major debate of the year in Parliament.
  • Allows MPs to raise key national issues affecting governance, economy, and foreign policy.
• Role of Opposition
  • Serves as a constitutional platform for opposition parties to critique government performance.
  • Amendments reflect political dissent and policy concerns.
• Political Significance
  • Adoption of amendments may signal political weakness of the government in the Upper House.
  • The Prime Minister’s reply often clarifies policy priorities and responds to criticism.
• Limitations
  • Debate sometimes becomes politically polarised rather than policy-focused.
  • Amendments are rarely adopted in the Lok Sabha due to government majority.
• Way Forward
  • Encourage more substantive policy debate during the Motion discussion.
  • Strengthen parliamentary scrutiny of executive policies.
  • Promote constructive engagement between government and opposition.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS Paper II – Polity: Parliamentary procedures, executive accountability, President’s Address.
• Prelims: Articles 86 and 87, Motion of Thanks, constitutional practices in Parliament.