Motion of Thanks

• 09 Feb 2024

For Prelims: Motion of Thanks, Parliament, Rajya Sabha, 75th Republic Day, Foreign Direct Investment, Khadi and Village Industries

For Mains: Parliament, Motions in Parliament, Government Policies & Interventions

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi replied to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address to Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the significant milestones in India’s journey towards the 75^th Republic Day.

What is a Motion of Thanks?

• The Motion of Thanks is a parliamentary procedure in which a formal motion is presented to express gratitude or appreciation for the President’s Address to both Houses of Parliament.
  • The President’s Address is a statement of policy of the Government and, as such, is drafted by the Government. It contains a review of various activities and achievements of the Government during the previous year and sets out the policies, projects and programmes which the Government wishes to pursue concerning important national and international issues.
• Article 87 of the Constitution of India states that the President will address both Houses of Parliament at the beginning of the first session after each general election and at the beginning of the first session of each year. The President will also inform Parliament of the reasons for its summons.
  • The rules that govern the procedure of either House will make provisions for the allotment of time for discussion of the matters referred to in the address.
  • Such an Address is called a 'special address', and it is also an annual feature.
• The address of the president, akin to the 'speech from the Throne' in Britain, is discussed in both Houses of Parliament through a motion called 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.
• The discussion is concluded by the reply of the Prime Minister or any other Minister. Immediately thereafter, the amendments are disposed of and the Motion of Thanks is put to vote and adopted.
• 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 limitation of motion of thanks is that the members cannot refer to matters that are not under the direct responsibility of the Central Government or mention the name of the President in the debate.

What are the Highlights of the President's Address?

• Fastest-Growing Major Economy:
  • Despite global challenges, the President declared India as the fastest-growing major economy, maintaining a growth rate of over 7.5% for two consecutive quarters.
• Macro-Economic Stability:
  • The government's focus on ensuring macroeconomic stability is credited for India's transformation from a 'fragile five' to a 'top five' economy.
    • Macroeconomic Stability describes a national economy that has minimised vulnerability to external shocks, which in turn increases its prospects for sustained growth.
    • It acts as a buffer against currency and interest fluctuations in the global market.
      • Exposure to currency fluctuations, large debt burdens, and unmanaged inflation can cause economic crises and a collapse in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• Impressive Export Figures:
  • India's exports witnessed substantial growth, surging to over USD 775 billion, showcasing the nation's economic resilience.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Surge:
  • FDI flows doubled, contributing to India's economic strength.
  • India stood at USD 45.15 billion in 2014-2015 and have since consecutively reached record FDI inflows for eight years. The year 2021-22 recorded the highest ever FDI at USD 83.6 billion.
    • During FY 2022-23, FDI inflow of USD 71 billion (provisional figure) has been reported.
• Khadi and Village Industries Boom:
  • Sales of Khadi and Village Industries products quadrupled from the financial year 2013-14 to the financial year 2022-23, reflecting the success of initiatives supporting indigenous industries.
• Income Tax Returns Soar:
  • The number of people filing income tax returns increased significantly from about 3.25 crore in the assessment year (AY) 2013-14 to approximately 8.25 crore in the A.Y. 2023-2024.
• Robust Forex Reserves:
  • The President announced that India's forex reserves now exceed USD 600 billion, underscoring the nation's financial stability.
• PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme:
  • Under PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana farmers received over Rs 2.8 lakh crore, emphasising the government's commitment to supporting agricultural livelihoods.
• Loans for Farmers:
  • Over the past decade, there has been a threefold increase in easy loans for farmers from banks, contributing to the financial well-being of the farming community.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Success:
  • The President highlighted the success of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, where farmers paid a premium of Rs 30,000 crore and received a substantial claim of Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
• Ram Temple Construction:
  • The President highlighted the historic occasion of the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
    • Emphasized that the centuries-old aspiration to build the temple had become a reality, symbolizing a cultural milestone for the nation.
  • The President noted the role of the government in promoting heritage tourism, citing the significant turnout of 13 lakh devotees during the five days of consecration ceremonies in Ayodhya.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q. The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through (2017)

1. Adjournment motion
2. Question hour
3. Supplementary questions

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

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Mains:

Q.1 To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (2021)

Q.2 Do you think that Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain. (2019)