As part of your UPSC syllabus, you will often come across what is question hour. It is the first hour in a sitting session in the Lok Sabha of the Indian Parliament. It focuses on questions raised by various Members of Parliament. These questions are related to various administrative activities. The questions are directed towards the concerned minister who has to answer in front of the Parliament either in oral form or written form based on the type of a particular question.
It is important to know the various parliamentary devices for an understanding of Indian polity and its functioning, which is part of the UPSC syllabus. In this article, the term question hour in parliament is discussed and explained for the IAS exam.
The candidates can read more relevant information from the links provided below:
| Devices of Parliamentary Proceedings | Overview of the Constitution |
| Lok Sabha | Types of Writs in India |
| Lok Sabha Speaker [Article 93 – 96] | President of India |
Significance of the Question Hour
As you learn about what is question hour in Parliament in your UPSC notes, you must also go through the same significance as stated below. However, the basic importance of the question hour is the fact that government policies are discussed in the same manner concerning national and international spheres.
Question hour in Parliament has a major significance that facilitates an exercise of the parliamentary right of MPs to ask questions. These question hour discussions allow the government to come around its pulse to frame its actions and policies accordingly. In addition, the ministers get to know about the popular reactions associated with their actions and policies. Questions can sometimes cause the appointment of a court of inquiry, legislation, or even a commission when matters are of immense public importance and can cause agitation amongst the public.
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Types of Questions Asked
As a part of the UPSC 2022, the questions asked during the question hour will be of immense importance. Therefore, you are required to go through the following types carefully.
Starred Questions
A starred question is a question that mainly demands an oral answer from the concerned minister. The minister is then required to answer in the House. The member asking the question is supposed to mark the question with an asterisk to denote the question to be a starred one. The answer to a starred question may be followed by several supplementary questions that the members ask. A maximum of 20 questions can be brought up for oral answers on a single day.
Unstarred Questions
An unstarred question is a question that mainly demands a written answer to be laid on the House’s table by the concerned minister. Such questions do not allow supplementary questions, followed by the original answer. These questions get printed in white colour. A maximum of 230 questions can be brought up for written answers on a single day.
Questions to Private Members
A question can also be asked to a private member who is an MP but not a Cabinet Minister. The subject matter of a particular question has to relate to some Resolution, Bill, or any other issue associated with the House. This has to further relate to the concerned MP holding them responsible.
Short Notice Questions
A member has the provision of asking such a question on a shorter notice of fewer than 10 days. This question has to relate to certain issues of urgency, covering areas of public importance. The minister can give oral answers to such questions. Supplementary questions are allowed in this case.
As a part of your UPSC Prelims, the question hour and its aspects will be of immense importance. The question hour and the questions asked in this specific duration contribute significantly in maintaining the Parliament’s ability to hold the Executive accountable. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not skip this topic while continuing with your preparation.
Aspirants can visit the linked article and get details about the upcoming government exams that comprise current affairs and general awareness as an important topic in the syllabus.
For the best preparation strategy for competitive exams candidates can visit the linked article and get detailed study material and preparation tips to excel in the examination.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Question Hour
How can a member correct their reply in the question hour?
For correct an earlier reply, a member has to make a statement. This does not get affected by the type of question.
What is the notice period given to a minister to answer a question?
A notice period of 15 days is provided to a minister for answering a question. The concept of maximum and minimum notice periods has been removed.
What is the frequency of a question hour?
Question hour is held on all the days of a session. Exceptions are made on a Presidential address and the budget presentation day.
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