Motions are procedural devices that allow the House to debate a topic of general public interest. Apart from a few exceptions, a member or Minister initiates a debate in the House by introducing a motion. The term 'motion' refers to any proposition put up to the House for consideration.

Every issue in the House is decided by the Chair(either the Speaker or the Chairperson) posing a question on a motion submitted by a member, which is then resolved in the affirmative or negative. The resultant judgement transforms the motion into a resolution or order of the house.

In this article, you will learn about the categories and types of motions in parliament.

What Are The Different Categories Of Motions?

All motions received in the Lok Sabha Secretariat under the rules shall be classified under the following categories:

1. Substantive Motions
2. Substitute Motions
3. Subsidiary Motions are further divided into three classes
   • Ancillary Motions
   • Superseding Motions
   • Amendments.

• Substantive Motion: A substantive motion is a self-contained independent proposal submitted for the approval of the House and drafted in such a way as to be capable of expressing a decision of the House, e.g., all resolutions are substantive motions.
• Substitute Motions: Motions moved in substitution of the original motion for taking into consideration a policy or situation or statement or any other matter are called substitute motions
• Subsidiary Motions: They depend upon or relate to other motions or follow upon some proceedings in the House. They by themselves have no meaning and are not capable of stating the decision of the House without reference to the original motion or proceedings of the House.
• Ancillary Motions: They are motions that are recognized by the practice of the House as the regular way of proceeding with various kinds of business. The following are the examples of ancillary motions, namely:— (i) That the Bill be taken into consideration. (ii) That the Bill be passed.
• Superseding Motions: They are motions which, though independent in form, are moved in the course of the debate on another question and seek to supersede that question. In that class all the dilatory motions fall. The following motions are superseding motions in relation to the motion for taking into consideration a Bill:— (i) That the Bill be re-committed to a Select Committee. (ii) That the Bill be re-committed to a Joint Committee of the Houses.
• Amendments: They are subsidiary motions that interpose a new process of question and decision between the main question and its decision. Amendments may be to the clause of a Bill, to a resolution or to a motion, or to an amendment to a clause of a Bill, resolution or motion.

General Rules For Parliamentary Motions

As per Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Houses:-

• No discussion on a matter of general public importance can take place except on a motion made with the consent of the Speaker/Chairman as the case may be.
• A written notice of motion must be delivered to the Secretary-General.
• The motion's admissibility is determined by a set of criteria.
• The Chairman/Speaker decides on the motions' admissibility based on the parameters.
• Motions filed in front of tribunals or commissions are not accepted.
• The Chairman/Speaker sets aside time for debate of the motion's subject.
• The Chairman/Speaker may ask all questions necessary to ascertain the House's decision on the original question on the given day.
• Speeches on the motion may be limited in length by the Speaker/Chairman.

What Are The Different Types Of Motions In Parliament?

*click on the respective link to know about that type of motion in the parliament.

Significance Of Motions In Parliament

• The Parliament’s attention can be drawn to issues which are really important and need to be looked into. This is the purpose of calling attention and adjournment motion.
• The House can bring the government down through No-confidence motions and cut motions.
• The Privilege motion tries to ensure that there is transparency and accountability regarding the information presented in front of the house.
• The time of the house is utilized in an efficient manner through devices like the closure motion.

Conclusion

Motions bring new business before the Houses of the Parliament. It comprises various more suggestions to take procedural measures or take other actions in relation to a current proposal (such as deferring it to a later date) or the assembly itself (such as taking a recess). These instruments are used regularly to raise issues in the parliament and bring the stand of the government to the notice of the public.

FAQs

Question: What is a motion in the context of the Indian Parliament?

Question: What are the different types of motions in Parliament?

Question: What is a No-confidence Motion?

Question: What is the purpose of an Adjournment Motion?

Question: How is a Cut Motion used in Parliament?

MCQs

1. Which type of motion is used to express a lack of confidence in the government?

a) Adjournment Motion

b) Censure Motion

c) No-confidence Motion

d) Cut Motion

2. What is the purpose of a Censure Motion in Parliament?

a) To question government expenditure

b) To draw attention to a matter of urgent public importance

c) To criticize specific policies or actions of the government

d) To reduce the budget allocation for a specific department

3. Which motion leads to the adjournment of the day’s business for an urgent discussion?

a) No-confidence Motion

b) Adjournment Motion

c) Censure Motion

d) Privilege Motion

4. A Cut Motion is moved during the discussion on which of the following?

a) Demand for Grants

b) Finance Bill

c) Constitution Amendment

d) No-confidence Motion

5. What happens if a No-confidence Motion is passed in the Lok Sabha?

a) The budget is reconsidered

b) The Speaker must resign

c) The government must resign

d) The President dissolves Parliament

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role of different types of motions in ensuring accountability and transparency in the functioning of the Indian Parliament.

Explanation: This question requires an analysis of various types of motions, such as No-confidence Motion, Censure Motion, Adjournment Motion, and Cut Motion, in ensuring the accountability of the executive to the legislature. Each motion plays a specific role in bringing transparency to parliamentary proceedings and holding the government accountable for its actions and policies. The response should include examples of how these motions have been used in the past to address critical issues.

Q2: How do Cut Motions contribute to financial accountability in the Indian Parliament?

Explanation: Cut Motions allow members of Parliament to propose reductions in the budgetary allocations for specific expenditures during the discussion on the Demand for Grants. This ensures that the government’s financial management is scrutinized, inefficiencies are addressed, and unnecessary expenditures are questioned. The answer should include examples of how Cut Motions have been used to challenge and question the financial policies of the government.

Q3: “The No-confidence Motion is a vital tool in maintaining the democratic functioning of a parliamentary government.” In light of this statement, evaluate the significance of the No-confidence Motion in the Indian context.

Explanation: This question requires an evaluation of the No-confidence Motion in maintaining the democratic functioning of India’s parliamentary system. The answer should discuss how this motion allows the opposition to challenge the government’s legitimacy and ensure that the executive remains accountable to the elected representatives of the people. The significance of this motion in ensuring that the government has the confidence of the House and the role it plays in maintaining democratic checks and balances should be highlighted.

Previous Year Questions on Motions in parliament 

1. UPSC CSE 2019

Q1: Discuss the significance of the No-confidence Motion in the Indian parliamentary system. 

Answer: The No-confidence Motion is a crucial instrument of accountability in the Indian parliamentary system. It allows the opposition to challenge the ruling government's majority in the Lok Sabha. If passed, the government must resign, as it indicates that the government no longer has the confidence of the majority of the House. This motion ensures that the government remains answerable to the elected representatives and is an essential tool to uphold parliamentary democracy.

2. UPSC CSE 2020

Q2: Explain the role of Adjournment Motion in ensuring accountability of the government to the Parliament.

Answer: The Adjournment Motion plays a significant role in ensuring the accountability of the government by allowing members to raise issues of urgent public importance and seek an immediate discussion. The normal business of the House is suspended to discuss these matters, ensuring that pressing issues receive timely attention. This motion helps in holding the government accountable for any lapses in governance and brings transparency to the proceedings.