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Question Hour in the Indian Parliament
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Details
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- The first hour of every parliamentary sitting (Both houses)is slotted for question hour.
- For the questions that Members of Parliament raise about any aspect of administrative activity;
- The concerned Minister is obliged to answer to the Parliament, either orally or in writing, depending on the type of question raised.
- It was initially given by Indian Council Act 1892.
- During this time, the members ask questions and the ministers usually give answers.
- Question hour may not held on –
- Budget presentation day
- During proceedings of the Joint sitting
- During sittings held on holidays
- When parliament sit for an extended period
- During the presidential address.
- Presiding officer can decline to accept question on following grounds –
- If it trespasses the rules of the houses.
- If it amounts to abuse the right to question.
- If it asked to obstruct the proceedings of the house
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Different Types of Questions in the Indian Parliament
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Starred question
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This question requires an oral answer and hence supplementary questions can follow.
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Unstarred question
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This question requires a written answer and hence, supplementary questions cannot follow.
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Short notice question
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This question is one that is asked by giving a notice of less than ten days. It is answered orally.
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Role and Significance of Question Hour in the Indian Parliament
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About
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- Objectives behind the question may range from seeking authoritative information, to compelling the ministry to accept on the floor of the house, or embarrassing the government.
- It acts as a deterrent to government’s misconduct and unruly behaviour.
- It holds the government accountable for its policies and programmes on the floor of the house.
- It informs the people about the government, so helps shape public opinion.
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Challenges and Concerns Surrounding the Question Hour in the Indian Parliament
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About
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- Less than fifty percent of the questions get answered.
- Cash for query (Corruption) scam in question hour.
- Chaos in parliament at starting, question hour being the first hour got most affected.
- Non-serious and non-responsive attitude of MPs, stay absent on same day
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Zero Hour in the Indian Parliament: Origin, Procedure, and Purpose
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About
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- The zero hour (Unlike the question hour) is not mentioned in the Rules of Procedure.
- It is an Indian innovation (since 1962) in the field of parliamentary procedures.
- The time gap between the question hour and the agenda is known as zero hour.
- Zero hour has an element of surprise.
- Thus it is an informal device available to the members of the Parliament to raise matters without any prior notice.
- The zero hour starts immediately after the question hour and lasts until the agenda for the day is taken up.
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