MOTION OF THANKS

MOTION OF THANKS

Subject: Polity

Context: Several members from the Opposition and Treasury benches participated in the debate on the three contentious farm laws, which are being opposed by farmers on the borders of Delhi, in the Upper House as part of the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address.

Concept:

Motion of Thanks to Presidential Address

• The address of the president is discussed in both the Houses of Parliament on a motion called the ‘Motion of Thanks’.
• It is available to the members of Parliament to raise discussions and debates to examine and criticise the government and administration for its lapses and failures.
• Generally, three days are allotted for the discussion on the Motion of Thanks.
• If any of the amendments are put forward and accepted then the Motion of Thanks is adopted in the amended form.
• Amendments may refer to matters contained in the Address as well as to matters which, in the opinion of the member, the Address has failed to mention.
• At the end of the discussion, the motion is put to vote.

Significance of Motion of Thanks

• The Motion of Thanks must be passed in the House. Otherwise, it amounts to the defeat of the government.
• It is one of the ways through which the Lok Sabha can also express a lack of confidence in the government. The other ways are:

Rejection of a money bill.

Passing a censure motion or an adjournment motion.

The defeat of the government on a vital issue.

Passing a cut motion.