RAS question
The cut motions in Parliament include:
Correct answer: (A) Disapproval of Policy Cut, Economy Cut, and Token Cut.
The cut motions in Parliament are Disapproval of Policy Cut, Economy Cut, and Token Cut.
Explanation
During discussion on demands for grants, a member may seek a reduction in the amount of a demand through one of three cut motions. A Disapproval of Policy Cut reduces the demand to Re. 1 and signals disapproval of the policy underlying that demand. An Economy Cut reduces the demand by a specified amount, representing the economy that can be effected in expenditure. A Token Cut reduces the demand by Rs. 100 to ventilate a specific grievance within the responsibility of the Government of India. Therefore, the complete set is Disapproval of Policy Cut, Economy Cut, and Token Cut.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Budget Cut and Revenue Cut are not the named categories in the parliamentary cut-motion classification; the recognised categories are policy, economy, and token cuts.
- (C) Only Disapproval of Policy Cut is incomplete because the classification also includes Economy Cut and Token Cut.
- (D) Fiscal Cut and Deficit Cut are not listed as cut-motion types; the manual specifies Disapproval of Policy Cut, Economy Cut, and Token Cut.
Concept
This tests financial control of the legislature, especially Parliament's scrutiny of demands for grants. It recurs in RAS because budgetary procedure links constitutional accountability with practical legislative devices.