Question Hour (प्रश्नकाल) in the Parliament of India: Meaning, Procedure, Importance, and Rules
Introduction
Question Hour (प्रश्नकाल) is one of the most significant parliamentary procedures in the Indian democratic system. It serves as a powerful mechanism through which Members of Parliament (MPs) hold the government accountable for its policies, decisions, and actions.
Question Hour ensures transparency, strengthens democracy, and gives representatives an opportunity to raise public issues directly before the government. It is considered the most dynamic and impactful period of parliamentary functioning.
What Is Question Hour in the Indian Parliament?
Question Hour is the first hour of every parliamentary sitting during which Members of Parliament ask questions to ministers regarding government policies, administration, and public concerns.
Key Features
- It is conducted at the beginning of parliamentary proceedings
- Ministers are legally bound to respond to questions
- It promotes government accountability
- It allows MPs to highlight public grievances and policy shortcomings
Question Hour exists in both Houses of Parliament:
- Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
Timing of Question Hour
Lok Sabha
- Generally conducted from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Rajya Sabha
- Usually conducted from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (may vary depending on the session schedule)
The exact timing can change during special sessions or extraordinary situations, such as emergencies or pandemics.
Types of Questions Asked During Question Hour
There are three main types of questions MPs can ask during Question Hour.
1. Starred Questions
Starred questions require an oral answer from the minister and are marked with an asterisk (*).
Features
- MPs can ask supplementary questions
- Encourages live debate
- Maximum public and media attention
These questions usually involve urgent or politically significant matters.
2. Unstarred Questions
Unstarred questions receive written answers from ministers.
Features
- No supplementary questions allowed
- Provides detailed statistical or factual information
- Allows MPs to obtain official government records
3. Short Notice Questions
Short Notice Questions are asked on matters of urgent public importance.
Features
- Asked with shorter notice than usual
- Requires Speaker/Chairman approval
- Answered orally by ministers
Procedure of Question Hour
The process of Question Hour follows a structured parliamentary procedure.
Step 1: Submission of Questions
- MPs submit questions to the Parliament Secretariat
- Questions must follow specified format and rules
- Usually submitted 15 days in advance
Step 2: Admissibility Check
The Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha) decides whether the question:
- Is relevant to public interest
- Does not contain defamatory or irrelevant content
- Falls under the responsibility of the government
Step 3: Listing and Balloting
- Approved questions are listed
- A ballot system decides which questions will be answered orally
Step 4: Minister’s Response
- Concerned minister provides oral or written answers
- MPs may ask follow-up supplementary questions (for starred questions)
Importance of Question Hour in Indian Democracy
Question Hour plays a crucial role in maintaining democratic accountability.
1. Government Accountability
It forces ministers to justify policies and decisions before Parliament.
2. Transparency in Governance
Information shared during Question Hour becomes part of official parliamentary records.
3. Public Representation
MPs raise concerns related to citizens such as:
- Infrastructure development
- Economic issues
- Social welfare schemes
- National security
- Environmental matters
4. Policy Improvement
Government departments often review and improve policies after issues raised during Question Hour.
Rules and Restrictions During Question Hour
Several rules ensure Question Hour functions smoothly.
- Questions must relate to central government matters
- MPs cannot ask hypothetical or argumentative questions
- Questions must not discuss sub-judice matters (pending court cases)
- Questions cannot include personal allegations without evidence
- Questions must not violate national security concerns
Suspension or Cancellation of Question Hour
Though Question Hour is a vital parliamentary tradition, it can sometimes be suspended under exceptional circumstances.
Examples include:
- National emergencies
- Pandemic situations (e.g., COVID-19)
- Special parliamentary sessions
- Disruptions or adjournments in the House
Suspension of Question Hour often leads to debates as it reduces direct government accountability.
Difference Between Question Hour and Zero Hour
| Feature | Question Hour | Zero Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | First hour of parliamentary sitting | Immediately after Question Hour |
| Rules | Formal and structured | Informal |
| Advance Notice | Required | Not required |
| Purpose | Question ministers and obtain answers | Raise urgent public matters |
Historical Background of Question Hour in India
Question Hour originated from British parliamentary practices and became an integral part of Indian parliamentary democracy after independence in 1947.
Over the years, it has evolved into one of the strongest instruments for legislative oversight in India.
Recent Trends in Question Hour
In recent years:
- Digital submission of questions has increased efficiency
- Televised parliamentary sessions have increased public awareness
- Data from Question Hour is widely used by researchers and journalists
Challenges Faced by Question Hour
Despite its importance, Question Hour faces several challenges:
- Frequent disruptions in Parliament
- Limited time to answer numerous questions
- Political conflicts reducing effective discussion
- Increasing complexity of governance issues
Conclusion
Question Hour remains a cornerstone of India’s parliamentary democracy. It ensures that elected representatives can question government actions and seek transparency on behalf of citizens.
By encouraging open dialogue between MPs and ministers, Question Hour strengthens democratic governance and promotes responsible administration. Despite occasional disruptions, it continues to serve as one of the most effective tools for legislative oversight in India.
