Whenever there arises an important issue of urgent nature related to public importance, Calling Attention Motion is moved in the House to draw the attention of the Government. The Minister concerned must make a brief statement on the urgent public issue brought to the notice of the house.

Calling Attention Motion is an Indian Innovation in the Parliamentary procedure which finds a place in the rules of procedure of both houses of the Parliament. In this article let us see in brief regarding the calling attention motion.

What is Calling Attention Motion?

• A member may, with the Speaker's approval, move a motion to bring the attention of a Minister to any topic of urgent public interest.
• The Minister may make a brief statement or request additional time to make a statement at a later time.
• A single member can only make two call-attention motions in a single session.
• It is an Indian innovation similar to “zero hours” but finds a place in the rules of the procedure since 1952.
• It can be introduced in either of the houses of the Parliament.

Instances

• In the 2021 winter session of the Bihar Assembly, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addressed a Calling Attention Motion sought regarding elected representatives not being invited for the inauguration of projects under PMGSY and MMGSY.
  • Nitish Kumar replied saying “it is compulsory to invite elected public representatives at state government functions, including foundation-laying ceremonies and other inaugural events”.

Conclusion

Calling Attention Motion has been used by the members of the legislature to seek the opinion or clarification of the concerned minister on matters of urgent public concern. This instrument is used in the parliament many times to bring the government focus on public issues.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the main purpose of a Calling Attention Motion in the Indian Parliament?

A) To pass new legislation
B) To question the Speaker
C) To bring urgent public matters to the attention of the government
D) To discuss constitutional amendments

2. Who approves the notice for a Calling Attention Motion in the Indian Parliament?

A) The Prime Minister
B) The Speaker or the Chairman
C) The President
D) The Leader of the Opposition

3. What is required before a Calling Attention Motion can be raised?

A) No prior notice
B) Prior notice to the Speaker or Chairman
C) Approval from the President
D) A majority vote in the house

4. Which of the following best describes the outcome of a Calling Attention Motion?

A) Passage of a bill
B) Formal debate
C) Response from the concerned minister
D) Constitutional amendment

5. How does a Calling Attention Motion contribute to the functioning of parliamentary democracy?

A) By passing new laws
B) By creating public awareness
C) By ensuring government accountability and transparency
D) By amending the Constitution

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the significance of the Calling Attention Motion in the legislative process and its impact on government accountability.

Answer: The Calling Attention Motion holds significant value in the legislative process as it serves as a tool for members of Parliament to highlight urgent matters of public importance. By compelling the government to provide a detailed response, it ensures accountability and transparency. This motion helps bridge the gap between the executive and legislature, fostering informed debate and public awareness. The procedure of requiring prior notice ensures that only issues of genuine urgency are raised, maintaining the decorum of the house. While it promotes government responsiveness, its effectiveness depends on timely approval and adequate follow-up, ensuring that the raised issues are addressed comprehensively.

Q2: Compare the Calling Attention Motion with the Zero Hour in terms of objectives and effectiveness.

Answer: The Calling Attention Motion and Zero Hour are both tools used in the Indian parliamentary system to raise matters of public importance, but they differ in their procedures and objectives. The Calling Attention Motion requires prior notice and is specific in nature, leading to a formal response from the concerned minister. In contrast, Zero Hour allows members to raise urgent issues without prior notice, making it more spontaneous but less structured. While the Calling Attention Motion ensures a ministerial response and detailed discussion, Zero Hour may not always yield a comprehensive reply. Both tools are essential for maintaining legislative oversight, but the Calling Attention Motion provides greater scope for holding the government accountable through documented responses.

Q3: Assess the limitations of the Calling Attention Motion and suggest ways to enhance its effectiveness.

Answer: Despite its importance, the Calling Attention Motion has certain limitations. The need for prior notice and approval may delay discussions on urgent matters. Additionally, the motion may be overshadowed by other legislative priorities or political dynamics, reducing its impact. To enhance its effectiveness, timely scheduling of discussions and a structured follow-up mechanism should be ensured. Encouraging more proactive responses from ministers and increasing the frequency of such motions can strengthen its role in maintaining government accountability. Clear guidelines on the types of issues that qualify for the motion could also help streamline its usage and prevent delays.

Previous Year Questions on Calling Attention Motion

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2017:

Question: The Calling Attention Motion in the Indian Parliament serves the purpose of:

A) Introducing new bills
B) Highlighting urgent public issues and seeking a response from the minister
C) Amending the Constitution
D) Approving budgets

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Calling Attention Motion is used to highlight urgent public issues and seek a response from the concerned minister, making it an effective tool for legislative oversight.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 2):

Question: "Evaluate the role of procedural devices like Calling Attention Motion in ensuring accountability in the Indian Parliament."

Answer: Procedural devices like the Calling Attention Motion play a vital role in ensuring accountability in the Indian Parliament. By allowing members to raise urgent issues and seek explanations from the government, these motions promote transparency and responsiveness. The structured format ensures that ministers provide detailed statements, enabling informed debate. However, to maintain its efficacy, it is crucial that the process is not delayed due to bureaucratic approvals. Strengthening the follow-up on issues raised and ensuring timely scheduling can enhance its impact. Such procedural devices contribute significantly to a robust parliamentary democracy by reinforcing legislative oversight and public trust.