Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Token cut motion
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
In the Indian Parliamentary system, members of Parliament have several tools to scrutinise and influence government expenditure. One such tool is the system of cut motions that can be moved on the demands for grants presented in the budget. Each type of cut motion has a specific purpose and a characteristic way in which the amount of demand is reduced. This question focuses on identifying the name of the cut motion in which the proposed reduction in a demand for grant is a small, symbolic amount of exactly Rs 100.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
There are three classic types of cut motions in Indian Parliamentary practice. A disapproval of policy cut (policy cut) seeks to reduce the demand for a grant to Re 1, indicating that the member disapproves of the policy underlying that demand. An economy cut seeks to reduce the demand by a specified amount, usually to suggest that the expenditure can be reduced without harming the service. A token cut is used to ventilate a specific grievance within the sphere of government responsibility and always proposes a reduction of exactly Rs 100. The symbolic nature of the Rs 100 reduction is what distinguishes a token cut motion from the other types.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that in a policy cut motion, the amount of the demand is reduced to Re 1 to express total disapproval of the policy.Step 2: Remember that an economy cut motion proposes a reduction of a substantial amount, which can vary depending on what the member considers to be the possible saving.Step 3: In contrast, a token cut motion proposes a reduction of exactly Rs 100 in the demand for a grant to highlight a specific grievance.Step 4: The question clearly states that the demand is reduced by Rs 100, which matches the definition of a token cut motion.Step 5: Therefore, among the given options, the correct answer is token cut motion.
Verification / Alternative check:
Standard Indian polity handbooks and parliamentary procedure guides list the three cut motions and specify the amount involved in each. Policy cut involves reduction to Re 1, economy cut involves reduction by a specified large amount, and token cut involves a fixed reduction of Rs 100. The purpose of the token cut is not to drastically reduce expenditure but to symbolically raise an issue. Since the amount in the question is exactly Rs 100, this matches the token cut description perfectly, which confirms the choice.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Economy cut motion: This involves a reduction by a specified amount that is usually more than a token sum and is aimed at securing economy in expenditure, not a fixed Rs 100.
Disapproval of policy cut motion: This reduces the demand to Re 1, expressing total disagreement with the policy, and does not mention the specific figure of Rs 100.
Vote on account: This is a provision for a temporary grant to meet essential expenditure until the full budget is passed, not a type of cut motion.
Guillotine on demands for grants: Guillotine refers to the process of putting all outstanding demands to vote without discussion on a fixed day, not a motion to reduce a demand by Rs 100.
Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse economy cut with token cut because both involve reducing the demand amount. A simple way to avoid this confusion is to remember the exact figures: policy cut reduces to Re 1, token cut reduces by Rs 100, and economy cut reduces by any other specified amount that reflects a proposed saving. Keeping these figures and purposes clear helps in correctly identifying the type of cut motion in examination questions.
Final Answer:
A cut motion that reduces a demand for grant by exactly Rs 100 is called a token cut motion.
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