The No Confidence Motion (NCM) is a significant parliamentary procedure that plays a vital role in testing the government’s support and majority in the Indian legislature. Introduced in the Lok Sabha, it provides a platform to discuss the government’s performance. If the motion garners enough votes for approval, the government is compelled to resign from office. Recently, the opposition brought forward a No Confidence Motion demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in Manipur. However, due to the government’s substantial majority in the Lok Sabha, the motion’s chances of success seem slim.
Understanding the No Confidence Motion:
- Purpose and Procedure: The No Confidence Motion serves as a parliamentary mechanism to gauge the confidence that the Lok Sabha has in the government. Introduced in the Lok Sabha, it initiates discussions on the government’s performance. If the motion secures enough votes to pass, it leads to the government’s resignation.
- Floor Test and Collective Responsibility: In the face of a No Confidence Motion, the government can retain power by demonstrating its strength through a floor test. According to Article 75 of the Constitution (and Article 164 for states), the council of ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. As long as the majority of Lok Sabha members trust the ministry, it remains in office.
- Procedure for Moving Motion: To initiate a No Confidence Motion, a member of Parliament must submit a written notice before 10 AM, supported by at least 50 members. The Speaker then schedules a date for discussion within 10 days.
- Examples: Since India’s independence, there have been 27 instances of No Confidence Motions introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Difference from Censure Motion:
- Scope of Action: While a No Confidence Motion seeks to assess the Lok Sabha’s confidence in the Council of Ministers as a whole, a censure motion targets specific policies and actions of the Council of Ministers. The former may lead to the council’s resignation, while the latter does not necessitate such an outcome.
Significance of the No Confidence Motion:
The No Confidence Motion serves as a crucial legislative tool to hold the government accountable for its actions and decisions. It provides an opportunity for the opposition to voice concerns and seek answers from the ruling party. However, it is relatively rare for the opposition to defeat the government, given the ruling party’s significant majority.
Final Words
The No Confidence Motion is a vital instrument in India’s parliamentary democracy, allowing for the evaluation of the government’s support and performance. Although the opposition recently brought forward a No Confidence Motion regarding the situation in Manipur, the government’s considerable majority in the Lok Sabha may prove challenging for the motion’s success. Nevertheless, the NCM remains an essential mechanism for government accountability, providing an avenue for robust debates and discussions on critical issues.
