After Question Hour in the Indian Parliament, which motion can a Member of Parliament move to draw the attention of the government to a definite matter of urgent public importance?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Calling Attention Motion

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Parliamentary procedure in India provides different types of motions that allow Members of Parliament to raise issues, challenge the government, or seek clarification. These motions have specific names and purposes. One such device is used after Question Hour to draw the attention of the government to a specific and urgent matter of public importance. This question checks whether you can correctly identify that motion from among several important parliamentary motions.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The setting is the proceedings of the Indian Parliament after Question Hour.
  • A Member of Parliament wants to draw the attention of the government to a definite matter of urgent public importance.
  • The options list Privilege motion, Calling Attention Motion, Adjournment motion and No confidence motion.
  • We assume familiarity with the basic purpose of these different motions.


Concept / Approach:
A Calling Attention Motion is a special device available mainly in the Lok Sabha, allowing a Member to call the attention of the concerned minister to a matter of urgent public importance, usually after Question Hour. The minister then makes a statement, and further clarifications may be sought. Privilege motions are used when there is an alleged breach of privilege of the House or its members. An Adjournment motion is a more serious device that interrupts normal business to discuss a matter of urgent importance and usually implies criticism of the government. A No confidence motion aims to test the support of the government in the House. Thus, the specific device mentioned in the question is the Calling Attention Motion.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the key features in the question: it is moved after Question Hour and aims to draw attention to a definite matter of public importance. Step 2: Recall that the Calling Attention Motion is described in parliamentary practice as a device for bringing urgent matters to the notice of the government. Step 3: Privilege motions deal with breaches of privilege, not simply matters of public importance. Step 4: Adjournment motions seek to interrupt normal business to discuss a matter of urgent importance and usually have a strong element of government criticism. Step 5: A No confidence motion directly challenges the survival of the government by testing whether it still enjoys majority support. Step 6: The description in the question matches the Calling Attention Motion, so option B is correct.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by looking at standard polity textbooks that explain tools of parliamentary control. They describe the Calling Attention Motion as a means for Members to draw the attention of a minister to a matter of urgent public importance and note that it is usually taken up after Question Hour. Examples from parliamentary debates show members using this motion to focus on urgent issues like natural disasters, law and order situations or public health crises. Privilege motions and No confidence motions are described separately with very different purposes. This confirms that the correct answer is the Calling Attention Motion.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because a Privilege motion is used when a member believes there has been a breach of privilege of the House or its members, not simply to raise urgent public matters.

Option C is wrong because an Adjournment motion is an extraordinary device to suspend normal business and is more serious in tone, not the standard method mentioned in the question.

Option D is wrong because a No confidence motion is about the government majority and can lead to the government resignation if passed; it is not simply a device to draw attention to an issue after Question Hour.


Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse the Calling Attention Motion with the Adjournment motion because both deal with urgent public issues. The key difference is the seriousness and effect on the House programme; an Adjournment motion suspends normal business and often implies strong criticism, while a Calling Attention Motion is a more routine and less disruptive device. To avoid confusion, remember that Calling Attention is about drawing notice and obtaining a ministerial statement, whereas Adjournment is about interrupting business. This distinction will help you choose correctly in exam questions on parliamentary procedures.


Final Answer:
Calling Attention Motion

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