Question Hour is the first hour of a sitting in both Houses of Parliament, during which Members of Parliament (MPs) ask questions to ministers regarding the functioning of the government. It is one of the most important instruments of parliamentary oversight and executive accountability.
Timing
- Conducted during the first hour of a parliamentary sitting (usually 11 AM – 12 PM).
- Held on all sitting days of Parliament.
- It was temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 period but later restored.
Types of Questions
Starred Questions
- Require an oral answer by the minister.
- Supplementary questions can be asked by MPs.
- Identified by an asterisk (*).
Unstarred Questions
- Require a written answer.
- No supplementary questions allowed.
Short Notice Questions
- Asked on matters of urgent public importance.
- Can be taken up with shorter notice (less than 10 days).
- Answered orally, with supplementary questions allowed.
Procedure
- MPs submit questions in advance, subject to rules of admissibility.
- The Presiding Officer (Speaker in Lok Sabha / Chairman in Rajya Sabha) decides admissibility.
- Questions must relate to public importance and fall within the jurisdiction of the government.
- Ministries prepare responses and provide answers during the session.
Significance
Ensures Executive Accountability
- Ministers are directly answerable to Parliament for their actions and policies.
Promotes Transparency
- Brings government functioning into the public domain.
Information Gathering Tool
- MPs obtain detailed and authentic information on policies, schemes, and administration.
Checks Arbitrary Action
- Acts as a control mechanism over executive decisions.
Limitations
- Limited time restricts the number of questions taken up.
- Political disruptions may reduce its effectiveness.
- Some answers may be evasive or incomplete.
Conclusion
Question Hour is a cornerstone of parliamentary democracy in India. By enabling direct questioning of the executive, it strengthens transparency, accountability, and informed governance.
