What is Question Hour?

• On Sept. 2, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha secretariats notified that there will be no Question Hour during the Monsoon Session of Parliament

What is Question Hour?

• Generally, the first hour of sitting of the Lok Sabha is devoted to questions and that hour is called the Question Hour.
• Asking Questions is an inherent and unfettered parliamentary right of members.
• it is during the Question Hour that members can asks questions on every aspect of administration and governmental activity.
• Question Hour is the liveliest hour in Parliament. 
• It is during this one hour that Members of Parliament ask questions of ministers and hold them accountable for the functioning of their ministries.
• With the broadcasting of Question Hour since 1991, Question Hour has become one the most visible aspects of parliamentary functioning.
• Prior to Independence, the first question asked of government was in 1893.

Types of Questions :- 

• Questions are of four types :

1. Starred 
2. Unstarred 
3. Short Notice Questions
4. Questions addressed to Private Members 

Starred Question :- 

• It is one to which member desires an oral answer in the house.
• It is distinguished by an asterisk symbol.
• supplementary question can be asked.
• only 20 questions can be listed for oral answer on a day.

Unstarred Question :- 

• It is one which is not called for oral answer in the house.
• No supplementary questions can consequently be asked.
• To such a question, a written answer is deemed to have been laid on the table.
• Only 230 questions can be listed for a written answer on a day.

Short Notice Question :- 

• It is one which relates to a matter of urgent public importance. 
• It can be asked with a shorter notice than the period of notice prescribed for an ordinary Question.
• It is answered orally.
• supplementary question can be asked.

Questions to a Private Member :- 

• It is addressed to the Member herself/himself. 
• It is asked when the subject matter of it pertains to any Bill, Resolution or any matter relating to the Business of the House for which that member is responsible.

List of Starred, Unstarred, Short Notice Questions and Questions to Private Members are Printed in Green, White, Light pink and Yellow colour, respectively, to distinguish them from one another.

What is Question Hour?