Context
Om Birla expressed displeasure over a senior Minister’s absence during Question Hour, stressing its importance for parliamentary accountability.
1. Question Hour
• Time: First hour of a sitting (usually 11 AM–12 PM in Lok Sabha)
• Purpose: Members ask questions to Ministers → ensures executive accountability
• Key Feature: Supplementary questions allowed (interactive)
2. Zero Hour
• Time: Immediately after Question Hour (around 12 PM)
• Nature: Not mentioned in rules → evolved by convention
• Purpose: Members raise urgent public matters without prior notice
• Control: Speaker’s discretion
3. Starred Question
• Answer Type: Oral answer by Minister
• Follow-up: Supplementary questions allowed
• Mark: Identified with a * (star)
• Importance: Ensures real-time scrutiny
4. Unstarred Question
• Answer Type: Written reply
• Follow-up: No supplementary questions
• Purpose: Detailed factual information
