All about Indian Polity and Governance Question Hour

Question hour polity was created to allow members of the public to ask important questions at the start of each legislative session and hold politicians responsible. The Constitution makes no mention of Question Hour. It is referenced in both houses of the Parliament’s Rules and Procedures. Questions are directed not just at the minister, but also at non-ministerial members of the audience. The Notification to the Queries must be sent in writing within 15 days of the date upon which the notice is posted. Whenever the House sits for the debate, it normally begins at 11 a.m.

Types of Questions

In the Question Hour, there are several types of issues that are addressed:

1. Starred: Questions marked with a star (and signified by an asterisk) need an oral reply and, as a result, can be accompanied by other questions.
2. Unstarred: They require a written response. As a consequence, no additional requests are authorized.
3. Short Notice: A query that was posted less than ten days in advance. Verbally, the question can be answered.
4. For Private Members: A person who isn’t a Minister can be asked a question. These are usually associated with private member’s legislation and resolutions in Parliament.

Important facts about the Question Hour

• In 1991, the House of Commons began broadcasting its sessions, making Question Hour polity a far more powerful instrument for guaranteeing government accountability
• To maintain the seamless operation of the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Hamid Ansari moved the questioning hour between 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in 2014
• The question’s importance is determined by a “draw of lots” from the submissions collected until the deadline
• Written and spoken response questions are presented upon yellow and pink coloured sheets, accordingly
• Before the start of the meeting, a participant might remove or delay his or her question
• All marked and unstarred queries with responses are put on the table afterwards if the Question hour was cancelled or the house is dismissed
• Each day of the session, except the budgeting day or the President’s joint speech to both chambers, has Question Hour

Question Hour in Rajya Sabha

From another parliamentary session, the Rajya Sabha’s Question Hour would be held at 12 p.m., whereas the Zero Hour would be held at 11 a.m., as early as the Assembly gathers for the day. The General Strategic reasons Council of the Rajya Sabha, chaired by Chairman Hamid Ansari, made the decision in an evident bid to ensure the seamless and successful functioning of the Upper House, according to reports. Whenever the Upper House experienced frequent continuances on multiple issues and the Question Hour became a victim, the Question Hour in Rajya Sabha was changed for a few days to 2-3 pm.

Question Hour in Parliament time

The government will now be granted a 15-day notice to answer a query in the House. Previously, the notice period was set at a minimum of ten days and a max of 21 days in Question Hour in Parliament time.

Impact:

MPs had effectively utilized the legislative innovation of ‘Question Hour’ to shine a spotlight on administration operations over the past 70 years. Their inquiries have revealed financial anomalies and made information and data about government operations accessible to the public.The Opposition’s ability to question the administration would be taken away if the Question Hour polity was suspended. Ministers are still not obligated to respond to problems highlighted during the Zero Hour.

Importance of Question Hour

Question Hour is very important in Parliamentary processes. In the legislature, members have the inherent and unfettered right to ask questions. As a consequence of Question Hour, the government can quickly assess the public’s mood and change its policies and operations. Questions can be used by ministries to gauge public opinion on their policies and management.Many faults that might otherwise go unnoticed come to the notice of the ministers through questioning. Questions may result in the creation of a committee, a court of enquiry, or even law when concerns raised by members are severe enough to upset the minds of the public which are of broad public interest. For example, in 1957, a few of the financial frauds involving LIC’s investment in Mundhra’s firm were exposed in Lok Sabha.

Conclusion

Question Hour is scheduled for the opening hour of each legislative session. However, in 2014, the Rajya Sabha’s Question Hour was moved from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Members of Parliament (MPs) challenge ministers & hold them responsible for the operation of respective departments throughout this one-hour session. Members of the public can be asked a few questions. Every day of the session, both Houses hold Question Hour. On two days, however, an exception is granted.The Opposition’s ability to challenge the government would be taken away if the Question Hour polity was suspended. Ministers are also not obligated to respond to problems highlighted during the Zero Hour.