Presidential Address
Context:
President Droupadi Murmu recently addressed a Joint Sitting of both Houses of Parliament.
In her address, she highlighted the government's achievements, including "Operation Sindoor”, the expansion of social security to 95 crore citizens, and the vision for a "Viksit Bharat".
She also remarked on overcoming the "inferiority complex" instilled by colonial policies
Constitutional Basis (Article 87):
The President addresses a Joint Sitting of both Houses of Parliament on two specific occasions:
At the commencement of the first session after each general election to the Lok Sabha.
At the commencement of the first session of each year (typically the Budget Session).
This is a constitutional obligation; the session cannot begin without it.
Contents of the Address:
The Address serves as the statement of policy of the Government.
It is drafted by the Government (Cabinet), not the President personally.
It outlines the achievements of the previous year and the future roadmap, policies, and legislative agenda for the upcoming year.
Its purpose is to inform Parliament of the "causes of its summons."
Motion of Thanks:
Following the address, both Houses discuss the contents on a motion called the ‘Motion of Thanks’.
At the end of the discussion, the motion is put to a vote.
It must be passed in the House.
If the Motion of Thanks is defeated in the Lok Sabha, it amounts to a defeat of the government and leads to its resignation, as it indicates a loss of majority.
Amendments to the Motion:
Members can move amendments to the Motion of Thanks to highlight missing issues or criticize specific policies.
If an amendment is passed in the Lok Sabha, it forces the Government to accept the change, which is politically significant and tantamount to a vote of no confidence.