“The Motion of Thanks is not merely a parliamentary formality but a vital tool for ensuring executive accountability”. Critically analyze its role in enhancing democratic governance in India.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business
Q3. “The Motion of Thanks is not merely a parliamentary formality but a vital tool for ensuring executive accountability”. Critically analyze its role in enhancing democratic governance in India. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the Question: The recent parliamentary debates on the motion of thanks to the president’s address, highlighting its role in executive accountability and parliamentary democracy, especially in the context of discussions on key governance issues. Key Demand of the Question: The question demands an analysis of how the motion of thanks serves as an instrument for holding the executive accountable and its significance in enhancing democratic governance. It also requires a critical evaluation of its effectiveness, including both its strengths and limitations. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly introduce the motion of thanks as a constitutional requirement under Article 87, emphasizing its role as a platform for parliamentary scrutiny of the executive. Body: Role in ensuring executive accountability: Explain how it provides an opportunity for parliamentary debate on government policies, facilitates questioning of the executive, and acts as an indirect test of confidence. Positive contributions to democratic governance: Discuss its role in promoting transparency, strengthening the opposition’s role, encouraging policy debates, and facilitating public awareness. Challenges in its effectiveness: Critically analyze issues like partisan debates, majoritarian dominance, frequent disruptions, and its non-binding nature, which may limit its impact. Conclusion: Conclude by emphasizing that while the motion of thanks is an important tool for executive accountability, reforms to ensure meaningful debates and bipartisan participation can further strengthen its role in India’s parliamentary democracy.
Why the Question:
The recent parliamentary debates on the motion of thanks to the president’s address, highlighting its role in executive accountability and parliamentary democracy, especially in the context of discussions on key governance issues.
Key Demand of the Question:
The question demands an analysis of how the motion of thanks serves as an instrument for holding the executive accountable and its significance in enhancing democratic governance. It also requires a critical evaluation of its effectiveness, including both its strengths and limitations.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Briefly introduce the motion of thanks as a constitutional requirement under Article 87, emphasizing its role as a platform for parliamentary scrutiny of the executive.
• Role in ensuring executive accountability: Explain how it provides an opportunity for parliamentary debate on government policies, facilitates questioning of the executive, and acts as an indirect test of confidence.
• Positive contributions to democratic governance: Discuss its role in promoting transparency, strengthening the opposition’s role, encouraging policy debates, and facilitating public awareness.
• Challenges in its effectiveness: Critically analyze issues like partisan debates, majoritarian dominance, frequent disruptions, and its non-binding nature, which may limit its impact.
Conclusion: Conclude by emphasizing that while the motion of thanks is an important tool for executive accountability, reforms to ensure meaningful debates and bipartisan participation can further strengthen its role in India’s parliamentary democracy.