The Parliament has adopted the Motion of Thanks to the
President’s address.
What is “Motion of Thanks” and what it contains?
The President makes an address to a joint sitting of
Parliament at the start of the Budget session, which is prepared by the
government and lists its achievements. The President’s speech is a statement of
the legislative and policy achievements of the government during the preceding
year and gives a broad indication of the agenda for the year ahead. The address
is followed by a motion of thanks moved in each House by ruling party MPs.
During the session, political parties discuss the motion of thanks also suggesting
amendments.
Amendments to the “Motion of Thanks”:
Notices of amendments to Motion of Thanks on the
President’s Address can be tabled after the President has delivered his
Address. Amendments may refer to matters contained in the Address as well as to
matters, in the opinion of the member, the Address has failed to mention.
Amendments can be moved to the Motion of Thanks in such form as may be
considered appropriate by the Speaker.
Limitation:
The only limitations are that members cannot refer to
matters which are not the direct responsibility of the Central Government and
that the name of the President cannot be brought in during the debate since the
Government and not the President is responsible for the contents of the
Address.
Provisions governing them:
President’s Address and Motion of Thanks are governed by
Articles 86 (1) and 87 (1) of the Constitution and Rules 16 to 24 of the Rules
of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
