Introduction
The Calling Attention Motion is an important parliamentary device in India through which a Member of Parliament can draw the attention of a Minister to a matter of urgent public importance and seek a statement from the Minister on that matter.
It provides an opportunity for Parliament to obtain information and the government's response on an important issue that requires immediate attention.
Calling Attention is particularly significant because it is considered an Indian parliamentary innovation. It was developed as part of the parliamentary practices in India.
Meaning of Calling Attention Motion
Calling Attention Motion means a procedure by which a Member of Parliament calls the attention of the concerned Minister to a matter of urgent public importance and requests the Minister to make a statement on the matter.
For example, an MP may draw the attention of the concerned Minister to a serious natural disaster, a major public-safety issue, an administrative failure, or another urgent matter affecting the public.
The concerned Minister then provides a statement explaining the government's position or the action taken or proposed by the government.
Constitutional Basis
The Calling Attention Motion is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution of India.
It is a parliamentary device recognised through the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of Parliament.
However, Article 118 of the Constitution is relevant because it empowers each House of Parliament to make rules for regulating its procedure and conduct of business.
Therefore, for examination purposes:
Article 118 → Rules of procedure and conduct of business
Calling Attention Motion → Parliamentary procedural device
Main Objective
The primary objective of the Calling Attention Motion is to draw the attention of the concerned Minister to an urgent matter of public importance and obtain a statement from the Minister.
It helps Parliament bring important and urgent public issues before the government without waiting for a lengthy legislative process.
It therefore contributes to:
- Parliamentary accountability
- Government responsiveness
- Discussion of urgent public issues
- Public representation
- Transparency in government action
Procedure
A Member wishing to raise a matter under the Calling Attention procedure gives notice according to the applicable parliamentary rules.
The matter is considered subject to the relevant rules and the permission of the Presiding Officer.
In the Lok Sabha, the Speaker plays an important role in regulating the procedure. In the Rajya Sabha, the Chairman performs the corresponding role.
Once the matter is taken up, the concerned Minister makes a statement regarding the issue.
Members may then seek clarifications or ask supplementary questions, subject to the applicable rules and directions of the Presiding Officer.
Main Features
The most important feature of the Calling Attention Motion is that it enables a Member to bring an urgent matter of public importance to the attention of the concerned Minister.
Another important feature is the Minister's statement on the matter.
It is not primarily intended to censure the government or to express lack of confidence in the Council of Ministers. Its main purpose is to obtain information and the government's response on an urgent matter.
Importance of Calling Attention Motion
Calling Attention Motion strengthens the principle of executive accountability to Parliament.
In a parliamentary democracy, the government must remain answerable to the legislature. Through this device, MPs can bring important public issues directly before the concerned Minister.
It also provides an avenue for members to represent the concerns of citizens and seek clarification regarding government action.
Thus, Calling Attention Motion acts as an important link between Parliament, the government and public concerns.
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Calling Attention Motion and Question Hour
Both are important instruments of parliamentary accountability, but their purposes are different.
During Question Hour, Members ask questions to Ministers about government policies, administration, programmes and activities.
Under the Calling Attention procedure, a Member draws the attention of the concerned Minister to an urgent matter of public importance and seeks a statement.
In simple terms:
Question Hour → Question and Answer
Calling Attention → Urgent Matter + Minister's Statement
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Calling Attention Motion and Zero Hour
Both devices can be used to raise matters of public importance, but they are not identical.
Zero Hour developed mainly through parliamentary practice and convention and provides an opportunity to raise matters of urgent public importance.
Calling Attention Motion, on the other hand, is a recognised parliamentary procedural device under the Rules of Procedure.
The distinctive feature of Calling Attention is the opportunity to obtain a statement from the concerned Minister.
Therefore:
Zero Hour → Raising urgent matters
Calling Attention → Drawing Minister's attention + Ministerial statement
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Calling Attention Motion and Adjournment Motion
An Adjournment Motion is a formal parliamentary device through which the normal business of the House is sought to be interrupted to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance.
Calling Attention Motion does not have the same purpose of interrupting the scheduled business of the House. Its principal purpose is to draw the attention of the Minister to an urgent issue and obtain a statement.
Therefore:
Adjournment Motion → Interruption of normal business for discussion
Calling Attention → Minister's attention and statement
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Comparison Table
Basis| Question Hour| Zero Hour| Calling Attention Motion| Adjournment Motion
Main purpose| Asking questions to Ministers| Raising urgent matters| Drawing Minister's attention and seeking a statement| Discussing a definite urgent matter by interrupting normal business
Nature| Formal parliamentary procedure| Parliamentary practice/convention| Parliamentary procedural device| Formal parliamentary device
Minister's statement| Not its primary feature| Not its defining feature| Important feature| Discussion on the matter
Subject| Government policies and administration| Urgent public issues| Urgent public importance| Definite urgent public importance
Main significance| Executive accountability| Immediate public attention| Ministerial response and accountability| Serious discussion of an urgent matter
Exam-Oriented Facts
1. Calling Attention Motion is an important parliamentary device in India.
2. It is used to draw the attention of a Minister to a matter of urgent public importance.
3. The concerned Minister makes a statement on the matter.
4. It is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution.
5. It is governed by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
6. The Speaker has an important role in the Lok Sabha.
7. The Chairman has the corresponding role in the Rajya Sabha.
8. It strengthens parliamentary control and executive accountability.
9. It is different from Zero Hour.
10. It is different from an Adjournment Motion.
11. Article 118 is related to the power of Parliament to make rules regulating its procedure and conduct of business.
12. Its primary purpose is not to express want of confidence in the government, but to obtain the government's response to an urgent public issue.
Easy Memory Trick
Remember:
Calling Attention = “Attention + Minister + Statement”
That means:
Urgent Issue → Minister's Attention → Minister's Statement
One-Line Definition
Calling Attention Motion is a parliamentary device through which a Member of Parliament draws the attention of the concerned Minister to a matter of urgent public importance and seeks a statement from the Minister on that matter.
Sources
- Constitution of India – Article 118
- Lok Sabha Secretariat – Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business
- Rajya Sabha Secretariat – Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business
- Parliament of India – Parliamentary Procedures
- IGNOU – Study Material on Indian Parliament
- M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity, Parliamentary Devices
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