AIPPM (All India Political Parties Meet)
Before delving into the rules of procedure (ROPs), let’s first familiarize ourselves with the meaning of AIPPM.
Committee Overview:
AIPPM, or All India Political Parties Meet, is an Indian committee in Model United Nations (MUN). Unlike conventional MUN committees, AIPPM involves delegates representing Indian politicians—usually MPs and party leaders.
Once registered, you will be assigned a portfolio that corresponds to an Indian politician. Your role is to represent that leader by echoing their views and ideology as closely as possible in relation to the agenda of the committee.
The committee follows a formal setting, with delegates adhering to the Rules of Procedure—much like rules in a game, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
The committee is managed by an Executive Board (EB), which consists of a moderator, a deputy moderator, and a scribe. They are responsible for calling speakers, regulating time, and ensuring the rules are followed so that an orderly debate is conducted.
1. Debate Structure/Flow of the Debate
- Roll Call: This is the attendance-taking procedure. The EB calls out the portfolio names of the delegates, ensuring their presence in the committee.
- Opening Speech: The chair creates a Speakers List, where delegates express their willingness to speak. The opening speech is the delegate’s first opportunity to introduce their ideas on the agenda. It’s similar to presenting a case in class, typically lasting 90 seconds.In the opening speech, include:
- Introduction of yourself and your political party.
- Discussion of the problem or agenda.
- Suggestion of a solution.
- Motions: After opening speeches, the EB calls for motions. Delegates raise their placards to propose a motion if they wish to change the debate structure or introduce a new sub-topic for discussion. Every delegate, regardless of their portfolio, has the right to raise a motion. The two main types of motions are:a. Motion for Moderated Caucus: A structured, focused debate with a time limit set by the speaker. Once passed by the majority, the chair selects speakers. The session may be either public or private.b. Motion for Unmoderated Caucus: This allows delegates to leave their seats to lobby, influence others, and form blocs. For example, if the committee is discussing healthcare in India, and you believe more time is needed, you can propose, “Motion to extend the debate by 10 minutes.” If the majority agrees, the debate continues.
2. Public and Private Sessions
- Public Session: In a public session, the International Press (IP) is present, and all statements made by delegates are on record. To start a public session, say:
“I would like to raise the motion to move into a Public Session on the agenda for [duration] minutes.” - Private Session: In a private session, the IP leaves the room, and discussions are off the record. To initiate a private session, say:
“I would like to raise the motion to move into a Private Session on the agenda for [duration] minutes.”
3. Points
- Point of Personal Privilege: This point is raised when a delegate feels discomfort or faces an issue, such as needing to use the restroom or not being able to hear another speaker.
Example: “Point of Personal Privilege, can the air conditioner be turned on?” - Point of Order: Raised when a delegate feels that a rule has been broken or there is a factual inaccuracy in another delegate’s speech.
Example: “Point of Order, I believe the delegate’s statement is factually incorrect.” - Point of Parliamentary Inquiry: Used to ask the EB about the rules or procedures of the committee.
Example: “Point of Parliamentary Inquiry, could you explain when we will be voting?” - Point of Information: Raised when a delegate wishes to question another delegate after their speech. The EB recognizes the delegate before the question can be asked. The other delegate may choose to respond immediately or via an EB chit later.
Example: “Point of Information, could the delegate clarify their stance on the healthcare policy?”Important Guidelines for Points of Information:- The question should not deviate from the content of the speech.
- Points of Information are considered in the final evaluation of a delegate’s performance.
4. Documents
As the committee approaches its conclusion, delegates present drafts in the form of working papers or position papers. These documents outline solutions to the problem at hand.
Unlike other MUN committees, where resolutions are typically worked toward, in AIPPM, delegates submit position papers reflecting the political leader’s stance. Different parties may propose working papers with varying solutions.
Example:
If the agenda is improving education in India, a working paper might state, “The XYZ Party proposes increasing the government budget for building new schools and providing free textbooks to rural students.”
Working papers are not final; they are shared with others for feedback, and delegates may collaborate to combine ideas and propose joint solutions.
