A “motion” refers to a formal proposal made by a Member of Parliament (MP) seeking the house’s approval or decision on a specific matter. Motions are fundamental tools in parliamentary procedure, and they are used to initiate discussions, make decisions, or express the opinions of the members. There are various types of motions, each serving a specific purpose.
1. Substantive Motions:
- Definition: Substantive motions are substantive proposals that, if accepted, lead to a substantive decision by the house.
- Example: A motion to approve the annual budget presented by the government is a substantive motion.
2. Subsidiary Motions:
- Definition: Subsidiary motions are those that help in the consideration of other motions or deal with the conduct of business.
- Example: A motion to amend a clause in a bill is a subsidiary motion.
3. Privilege Motion:
- Definition: A motion brought by a member raising a question of privilege. It is concerned with the breach of parliamentary privileges by someone, often an outsider.
- Example: Allegation of a breach of privilege against an individual or authority.
4. Adjournment Motion:
- Definition: A motion to adjourn the business of the house to discuss a specific matter of urgent public importance.
- Example: A motion to adjourn the regular business to discuss a recent natural disaster.
5. No-Confidence Motion:
- Definition: A motion expressing a lack of confidence in the government. If passed, it may lead to the resignation of the government.
- Example: A motion stating that the house has no confidence in the current government.
6. Censure Motion:
- Definition: A motion censuring the government for a specific action or policy.
- Example: A motion expressing disapproval of the government’s handling of a particular issue.
7. Motion of Thanks:
- Definition: A motion moved in both houses to thank the President for the address delivered at the beginning of the session.
- Example: A motion expressing gratitude for the President’s address.
8. Call Attention Motion:
- Definition: A motion through which a member can call the attention of a minister to a matter of urgent public importance.
- Example: A motion calling attention to a recent rise in fuel prices.
9. Motion for Reference to Committee:
- Definition: A motion to refer a matter to a parliamentary committee for detailed examination and report.
- Example: A motion to refer a bill to a standing committee for scrutiny.
These are just a few examples of the various types of motions that can be moved in the Indian Parliament. Motions play a crucial role in shaping parliamentary debates, decision-making, and legislative processes. The specific rules governing the procedure for each type of motion are outlined in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
