The Indian government recently announced the resumption of the Question Hour in the upcoming budget session of Parliament, after it was suspended during the monsoon session due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The winter session of Parliament was also cancelled due to a surge in Covid-19 cases.
Understanding the Question Hour
Question Hour is a significant part of Indian parliamentary proceedings. Slated for the first hour of every sitting, it allows Members of Parliament (MPs) to pose questions to ministers and hold them accountable for their departments’ performance. Private members, MPs not holding ministerial positions, can also be queried. In 2014, the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha was shifted from its traditional 11 am slot to 12 noon.
The presiding officers of both Houses, the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, have final say on the conduct of Question Hour as per parliamentary rules.
Varieties of Questions Asked
Three kinds of questions are typically asked during this time:
1. Starred questions distinguished by an asterisk, requiring an oral response and allowing for follow-up questions.
2. Unstarred questions that necessitate a written answer, precluding any supplementary queries.
3. Short notice questions posed with less than ten days’ notice, which receive verbal answers.
The frequency of the Question Hour in both Houses is almost daily; exceptions occur when the President addresses both Houses or when the Finance Minister presents the Budget.
Question Hour: A Vital Tool for Accountability
The importance of Question Hour extends beyond mere procedure. It forms a crucial parliamentary right, enabling members to question the government’s actions and policy decisions domestically and internationally. Not only does it place ministers’ administrative activities under scrutiny, but it also helps the Government gauge public sentiment and tailor its policies accordingly.
Furthermore, questions from members can occasionally result in the appointment of a Commission, a Court of Inquiry or even trigger legislation when the issue raised holds significant public importance.
Summoning and Scheduling Parliamentary Sessions
Under Article 85 of the Indian Constitution, the summoning of Parliament is a prerogative of the government. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs decides on the session’s convening, after which the President, in whose name MPs are summoned, formalises it.
India does not have a fixed parliamentary calendar, but two sessions of Parliament must take place within a six-month interval to ensure democratic functioning. Conventionally, Parliament hosts three sessions in a year:
1. Budget Session: Usually running from late January to late April or early May, this session, the longest of the three, includes a recess to allow Parliamentary Committees to discuss budget proposals.
2. Monsoon Session: This three-week session typically begins in July and ends in August.
3. Winter Session: The final session of the year takes place from November to December.
Notably, there have been instances when Question Hour was suspended, usually during times of national emergencies. However, its reinstatement signifies the government’s commitment to maintaining parliamentary accountability and facilitating legislative work.