Question

Who addresses the Houses together at the commencement of the first session of each year?
1. The President
2. The Pro team Speaker
3. The Speaker
4. The Prime Minister

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : The President

The correct answer is The President

• Article 87 provides that the President shall address both Houses of Parliament assembled together at the commencement of the first session after each general election to the House of the People and at the commencement of the first session of each year.
• This address by the President is considered a special address. Hence, option 1 is correct.
• No other business is transacted till the President has addressed both Houses of Parliament assembled together.
• The Address contains a review of various activities and achievements of the Government during the previous year and sets out the policies, projects, and programmes for the following session.
• The address of the president is discussed in both the Houses of Parliament on a motion called the ‘Motion of Thanks. 
• Both the houses discuss the address of the President and the discussion can last for 3-4 days. 
• The Prime Minister has to reply to the points raised during the discussion.
• After the Prime Minister has submitted his/her response, the MPs vote on the motion of thanks and some may move amendments to the address.
• The amendments may highlight or add issues addressed by the President that are not mentioned.