FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the primary objective of a Policy Cut Motion?

A) To increase the allocation of funds for a department
B) To approve the government’s policy
C) To reduce the amount allocated for a policy or department
D) To block the passage of the budget

2. What is required for the admissibility of a Policy Cut Motion?

A) At least 100 members' support
B) At least 50 members' support in Lok Sabha and 25 in Rajya Sabha
C) A government recommendation
D) A Supreme Court ruling

3. Which of the following is true about a Policy Cut Motion?

A) It directly leads to the resignation of the government
B) It seeks to reduce the allocation for a specific policy
C) It cannot be introduced in the Lok Sabha
D) It is a motion to increase funds for a policy

4. When can a Policy Cut Motion be introduced?

A) During the discussion of any government policy
B) During the annual budget discussion
C) After the passage of the budget
D) Only after the government announces new policies

5. What is the result if the Policy Cut Motion is approved by the Parliament?

A) The policy is automatically repealed
B) The funds for the policy are reduced
C) The government must resign
D) The policy remains unchanged

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of a Policy Cut Motion in the Indian parliamentary system. How does it reflect the relationship between the executive and legislature?

Answer: A Policy Cut Motion is an important tool in the Indian parliamentary system, allowing the legislature to express disapproval of the executive’s policies. It highlights the checks and balances between the executive (government) and the legislature (Parliament). While the executive formulates policies, the legislature, through motions like the Policy Cut, ensures that these policies align with the public’s interest and parliamentary approval. By voting on such motions, MPs hold the government accountable and protect the interests of their constituencies. The passage of a Policy Cut Motion can lead to a reconsideration of policies or a reduction in funding, signaling the legislature's influence over policy decisions.

Q2: Analyze the role of the Policy Cut Motion in improving governance and enhancing democratic accountability in India.

Answer: The Policy Cut Motion plays a significant role in enhancing democratic accountability by enabling the legislature to question and critique the policies of the executive. It acts as a tool for MPs to represent public opinion, especially if a particular policy or allocation is seen as detrimental to their constituents. By reducing the budget or questioning the appropriateness of a policy, the Policy Cut Motion promotes better governance, ensuring that the executive is held accountable for its actions. This process fosters transparency and prevents arbitrary decision-making by the government.

Q3: Evaluate the procedural aspects of the Policy Cut Motion. How does it contribute to the legislative process in India?

Answer: The Policy Cut Motion is a procedural device in the Indian legislative process, introduced during the budget discussion. Its procedural aspects involve written notice and support from a specific number of MPs, followed by debates and voting. If the motion is accepted, it reflects the Parliament’s position on the policy or allocation in question. This contributes to the legislative process by ensuring that members of Parliament can actively participate in scrutinizing and influencing the budget and government policies. It strengthens the democratic process by allowing MPs to represent their constituents’ views effectively and hold the government accountable for its policies.

Previous Year Questions on Policy Cut Motion

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: What is the purpose of a Policy Cut Motion in the Indian Parliament?

A) To approve a new government policy
B) To increase funding for a government department
C) To reduce the funding for a policy or department
D) To debate the general budget

Answer: (C)

Explanation: A Policy Cut Motion is designed to reduce the funding allocated to a specific government policy or department, reflecting disapproval of that policy.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 2):

Question: Analyze the role of cut motions, including the Policy Cut Motion, in the Indian parliamentary system. How do they impact the relationship between the government and the legislature?

Answer: Cut motions, including the Policy Cut Motion, are vital mechanisms in India’s parliamentary system to check the power of the government. By allowing Parliament to reduce allocations or question specific policies, these motions ensure that the government is held accountable for its financial and policy decisions. This process strengthens the system of checks and balances, preventing the government from implementing harmful or unpopular policies without scrutiny. The passage of a Policy Cut Motion signifies Parliament’s disapproval and can prompt the government to revisit its policies or adjust funding allocations.