The recent decision by the Central government to suspend Question Hour and limit Zero Hour for the Monsoon Session has drawn attention. This action was taken in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. On various occasions in history, Question Hour has previously been suspended but during national emergencies. The unique situation at hand is that the suspension is occurring during a regular parliamentary session.
Understanding Question Hour
Question Hour is the first hour allocated to every parliamentary sitting. In 2014, there was a rearrangement of schedule for Rajya Sabha resulting in the shifting of the Question Hour from 11 am to 12 noon. This period enables Members of Parliament (MPs) to raise queries with ministers, making them answerable for their respective ministries’ activities. Questions can also be directed to private members who aren’t ministers themselves.
This process operates under the regulation of parliamentary rules. The presiding officers of both Houses (Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha) are the ultimate authority relating to the conduct of Question Hour.
Variety of Questions
There are three types of questions posed during this hour. A starred question, indicated by an asterisk, necessitates an oral response, opening the possibility for supplementary questions. An unstarred question warrants only a written reply, thus eliminating the potential for follow-up queries. Lastly, a short notice question is one that is posted with less than ten days’ notice and necessitates an oral answer.
Frequency of Question Hour
Question Hour occurs on all legislative session days, with two exceptions: when the President addresses MPs from both Houses, and on the day the Finance Minister presents the Budget.
Zero Hour Explained
Zero Hour is a concept unique to the Indian parliament and is not included in the rulebook of parliamentary procedures. This permits MPs to raise issues without giving prior notification. Zero Hour commences directly after Question Hour and lasts until the day’s agenda (i.e., regular House business) is initiated.
The Impact
Over the past 70 years, MPs have effectively utilized Question Hour to scrutinize government operations. Their inquiries have revealed financial inconsistencies and have brought information regarding government functioning into the public sphere. Suspending Question Hour means that the Opposition loses their right to question the government. Furthermore, ministers are not obligated to respond to issues raised during Zero Hour – implying that MPs cannot hold the government answerable for its actions. This undermines the principles of parliamentary democracy.
The Way Forward
Since the government is answerable to parliament, procedures intended to ensure government accountability should not be suspended or limited in any way, as this contradicts the Constitution’s essence. The necessary modifications must be made so as to adapt to the current pandemic-induced circumstances while preserving the essence of parliamentary proceedings.
