Understanding Motions in the Indian Parliament

Parliamentary procedures involve various types of Motions used by members to bring certain matters to the attention of the House or to challenge the government. These motions are crucial tools for legislative oversight and debate in the Parliament of India. Let's analyze each statement provided regarding these motions.

Analyzing Parliamentary Motion Statements

We will examine each option to determine which statement accurately reflects the rules and practices concerning Motions in the Indian Parliament.

Option 1 Analysis: No-Confidence Motion Against an Individual Minister

Statement: A Motion of No-Confidence can be admissible against an individual minister in the Council of Ministers.

Explanation: A Motion of No-Confidence is a serious parliamentary procedure that can only be moved against the *entire* Council of Ministers, not against an individual minister. The principle is that the government as a whole must command the confidence of the Lok Sabha. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Option 2 Analysis: Grounds for No-Confidence Motion

Statement: A No-Confidence Motion must set out grounds on which it is based.

Explanation: Unlike a Censure Motion, a No-Confidence Motion, as per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha (Rule 198), does not require the member moving it to state specific grounds or reasons for lack of confidence. It is a broad expression of dissatisfaction with the government's performance. Thus, this statement is incorrect.

Option 3 Analysis: Rajya Sabha's Power on No-Confidence Motion

Statement: Rajya Sabha is not empowered to entertain a motion of No-Confidence.

Explanation: This statement is correct. A Motion of No-Confidence can only be moved and discussed in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament). This is because the Lok Sabha represents the people directly, and the executive government (Council of Ministers) is collectively responsible to it. The Rajya Sabha (the upper house) does not have the power to entertain or vote on a No-Confidence Motion against the government.

Option 4 Analysis: Grounds for Censure Motion

Statement: A Censure Motion need not be based on specific grounds or charges.

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. A Censure Motion, which is moved against a specific minister or the entire Council of Ministers on a particular issue, *must* state the specific grounds or charges on which the censure is sought. The lack of specific grounds makes it invalid.

Conclusion on Parliamentary Motions

Based on the analysis of parliamentary rules and conventions:

• Motions of No-Confidence are directed at the entire government and can only be moved in the Lok Sabha.
• Motions of Censure require specific grounds for moving.
• The Rajya Sabha cannot entertain a No-Confidence Motion.

Therefore, the correct statement is that the Rajya Sabha is not empowered to entertain a motion of No-Confidence.