Cut Motion, Meaning, Types, Constitutional Basis, Purpose

A Cut Motion is a parliamentary device used by members of the Lok Sabha to oppose or reduce a demand for grants presented by the government in the Budget. Through a cut motion, a member can express disapproval of government policies, point out wasteful expenditure, or highlight specific grievances.

It is an important instrument through which the legislature exercises financial control over the executive, ensuring that public money is spent responsibly and with parliamentary approval.

Cut Motion Constitutional Basis

• Cut Motions are provided under Article 113 of the Constitution of India.
• They arise during the voting on Demands for Grants in the Lok Sabha.
• Only the Lok Sabha has the power to vote on demands for grants because it represents the people directly.
• The Rajya Sabha can discuss the demands but cannot vote on them.

Cut Motion Purpose

Cut motion serve multiple purposes in parliamentary democracy:

• Expression of disapproval: Members can express dissatisfaction with the policies of a ministry or the government.
• Control over public expenditure: They enable the House to suggest reductions or reject unnecessary or excessive spending.
• Opportunity for detailed discussion: Members can discuss the functioning, policies, and performance of different ministries.
• Political accountability: If a cut motion is passed, it is considered a sign that the government has lost the confidence of the House.

‹ ›

Types of Cut Motion

There are three types of cut motion, each with a different objective.

• Policy Cut: It represents the disapproval of the policy underlying the demand. The amount of the demand to be reduced to Rs 1. The members can also advocate an alternative policy.
• Economy Cut: It states that the amount of the demand be reduced by a specified amount (which may be either a lump sum reduction in the demand or omission or reduction of an item in the demand).
  • Example: A member may propose a reduction of ₹200 crore from the demand of a ministry if they believe the expenditure is unnecessary.
• Token Cut: It ventilates a specific grievance that is within the sphere of responsibility of the Government of India. It states that the amount of the demand will be reduced by 100 INR.

Conditions for Admissibility of Cut Motion

A Cut Motion, to be admissible, must satisfy the following conditions:

• Relate to one demand/specific matter only with clear expression and without any arguments or defamatory statements;
• No suggestions for the amendment or repeal of existing laws.
• Not refer to a matter that is not primarily the concern of the Union government.
• Not related to the expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
• No matter that is under adjudication by a court.
• Not raise a question of privilege.
• Not revive discussion on a matter on which a decision has been taken in the same session.
• Not relate to a trivial matter.
• Not reflect on the character or conduct of any person whose conduct can only be challenged on a substantive motion.
• Not anticipate a matter which has been previously appointed for consideration in the same session.
• Not seek to raise a discussion on a matter pending before any statutory tribunal or statutory authority performing judicial or quasi-judicial functions or any commission or court of enquiry.

Cut Motion Procedure

After the general discussion on the Budget, the House takes up Demands for Grants. Members may move cut motions for specific demands. The motions are discussed and then put to vote. If the motion is defeated, the original demand is voted on.

Although it is primarily a financial tool, it also carries political significance. Since the passage of demands for grants is essential for the functioning of the government, the defeat of a demand through a cut motion is treated as a loss of confidence in the Council of Ministers. In such a situation, the government is expected to resign. However, in practice, cut motions are rarely passed because governments usually enjoy a majority in the Lok Sabha and party discipline ensures that members vote along party lines.