The restoration of the Question Hour in the Parliament marks a return to a crucial aspect of legislative functioning in India. The Question Hour, an integral part of parliamentary proceedings, is set to be reinstated in the upcoming Budget Session after being scrapped during the Monsoon Session. This decision reflects the importance of accountability and transparency within the government machinery.
Restoration of Question Hour in Budget Session
The Indian Parliament has announced the reinstatement of the Question Hour for the forthcoming Budget Session, which will commence on January 29 and conclude on February 15. The Question Hour had been suspended in the previous Monsoon Session due to concerns and adjustments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restoration of this hour-long session underscores the commitment to maintaining the democratic process of questioning and accountability that is essential to the effective functioning of the Parliament.
Significance of Question Hour
Question Hour is a significant parliamentary device that provides Members of Parliament (MPs) with the opportunity to question ministers about the workings and performance of their ministries. Scheduled at the beginning of each parliamentary sitting day, it lasts for one hour and serves as a platform for MPs to seek answers on various issues, including policy decisions, implementation strategies, and financial expenditures. The practice plays a vital role in scrutinizing government actions and ensuring that the executive remains answerable to the legislature.
Question Hour as a Tool for Accountability
The primary purpose of the Question Hour is to hold ministers accountable for the functioning of their respective ministries. It allows MPs to raise questions that require ministers to explain their department’s decisions, actions, and outcomes. This process ensures a level of transparency and keeps the executive branch of the government under constant check by the legislative branch. The Question Hour has historically been a powerful tool for exposing financial irregularities and other administrative issues.
Procedure During Question Hour
During Question Hour, MPs can ask different types of questions, including starred questions, unstarred questions, and short notice questions. Starred questions are those for which oral answers are expected, and the MP has the right to ask supplementary questions based on the response. Unstarred questions are answered in writing, with no further discussion during the session. Short notice questions pertain to matters of urgent public importance and can be asked with shorter notice than the usual ten days required for other questions.
Impact of Question Hour on Governance
The effectiveness of Question Hour in influencing governance cannot be overstated. It compels ministers and their departments to be well-prepared to face scrutiny and provide detailed information on their work. This not only promotes efficient governance but also encourages a culture of responsibility and answerability within the government. The public, through their elected representatives, gets insights into government operations, fostering a sense of participation in the democratic process.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its significance, the Question Hour has faced challenges and criticisms. Sometimes, sessions are disrupted due to protests or walkouts by MPs, leading to a loss of valuable parliamentary time. Moreover, there have been instances where the answers provided by ministers are seen as evasive or unsatisfactory, raising questions about the effectiveness of the process. Ensuring that Question Hour remains a productive exercise requires cooperation from all members of the Parliament and a commitment to uphold the sanctity of this parliamentary tool.
In conclusion, the restoration of the Question Hour for the upcoming Budget Session is a positive step towards reinforcing the mechanisms of accountability and transparency in Indian governance. It is a testament to the democratic ethos that underpins India’s parliamentary system, ensuring that the government remains responsive to the needs and questions of the people’s representatives.
