Motion of Thanks

Discussion on matters referred to in the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha takes place under Rule 17 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, through a Motion of Thanks moved by one member and seconded by another.

On the days allotted for the debate, the House is free to discuss all issues mentioned in the Address. The scope of discussion is wide, allowing members to raise a range of national and international issues. Even subjects not explicitly referred to in the President’s Address can be introduced through amendments to the Motion of Thanks.

However, there are certain limitations. Members are not permitted to discuss matters that do not fall under the direct responsibility of the Central Government, and the name of the President cannot be referred to during the debate, as the Government—not the President—is responsible for the contents of the Address.

Notices for amendments to the Motion of Thanks can be tabled after the President has delivered the Address. These amendments may relate either to issues mentioned in the Address or to matters that, in the opinion of a member, have been omitted. The Speaker decides the admissible form of amendments.

The discussion on the Motion of Thanks generally lasts three to four days, as allotted by the House or on the recommendation of the Business Advisory Committee. The debate is initiated by the mover of the motion and followed by the seconder. The names of both the mover and the seconder are selected by the Prime Minister, with notice conveyed through the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.

The discussion concludes with a reply by the Prime Minister or any other Minister. Unlike other motions, the mover or seconder does not have the right of reply at the end. Subsequently, the amendments are taken up and disposed of, after which the Motion of Thanks is put to vote in the House.