QUESTION HOUR AND ZERO HOUR

1. Context

Parliament will hold a five-day special session, from September 18 to 22 (2023), amid widespread speculation over the agenda of the session. The Opposition has questioned the fact that the government has said there will be no Question Hour or Zero Hour during this session, nor would any private member Bills be allowed.

2. Question Hour

Question Hour is the first hour of a sitting session of the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian Parliament) devoted to questions that Members of Parliament (MPs) raise about any aspect of administrative activity. The concerned Minister is obliged to answer to the Parliament, either orally or in writing, depending on the type of question raised. Questions are one of the ways Parliament can hold the Executive accountable

2.1.. Types of Questions

There are three types of questions that can be asked during Question Hour:

a. Starred Questions: These questions require an oral answer from the concerned minister, and the MP who asked the question can seek supplementary questions for further clarification.

b. Unstarred Questions: These questions are answered in writing, and MPs do not have the opportunity to ask supplementary questions during the session. The written responses are usually provided later.

c. Short Notice Questions: These are urgent questions that can be asked with the Speaker's permission. They are generally related to recent developments or events.

2.2.. Key Features of Question hour

Scheduled Time: Question Hour is a specific period of time allocated during each parliamentary session, usually at the beginning of the day's proceedings. In the Indian Parliament, it typically takes place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Questions from Members: During Question Hour, Members of Parliament (MPs) are given the opportunity to ask questions to government ministers. These questions can be related to government policies, actions, or any other matter of public interest.
Supplementary Questions: After the minister provides an initial response, MPs who asked the starred questions can ask supplementary questions to seek more detailed information or clarification
Accountability and Transparency: Question Hour serves as a crucial mechanism for holding the government accountable for its actions and decisions. It allows MPs to raise issues, seek information, and scrutinize the government's performance
Role of Speaker: The Speaker of the House presides over Question Hour and ensures that it proceeds smoothly. The Speaker may also rule on the admissibility of questions and the conduct of MPs
Importance: Question Hour is an integral part of the parliamentary process as it promotes transparency, encourages discussion on important issues, and helps MPs fulfill their oversight role
Follow-up Actions: The responses and discussions during Question Hour can lead to various follow-up actions, including debates, discussions, and legislative proposals

3. Zero Hour

Zero Hour is a period of time in the proceedings of the Indian Parliament during which Members of Parliament (MPs) can raise matters of urgent public importance. It is held immediately after Question Hour, at 12 noon

During Zero Hour, MPs can raise any issue they want, without giving prior notice. However, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has the discretion to decide whether or not to allow an MP to raise an issue during Zero Hour

Zero Hour is an important part of the parliamentary process because it allows MPs to raise issues that are important to their constituents and to hold the government accountable. It is also a way for the government to respond to public concerns

3.1. Key features of Zero hour

Here are the key features and aspects of Zero Hour in the Indian Parliament:

Timing: Zero Hour does not have a fixed time slot like Question Hour. It takes place immediately after the conclusion of Question Hour, typically around 12:00 PM or shortly thereafter.
Duration: Zero Hour does not have a fixed duration, and it can extend for as long as deemed necessary by the Speaker of the House. The duration can vary from one session to another.
No Prior Notice: Unlike Question Hour, where questions are submitted in advance, Zero Hour allows MPs to raise issues without prior notice. MPs can give notice to the Speaker on the same day they wish to raise an issue during Zero Hour.
Scope: During Zero Hour, MPs can raise a wide range of issues, including matters of urgent public importance, recent events, policy concerns, and other subjects they consider significant. These issues may not be related to specific questions asked earlier in Question Hour.
Format: The format of raising issues during Zero Hour is more flexible than Question Hour. MPs usually make brief statements, raise points, or seek the attention of the House on the matters they want to discuss.
Discussion and Response: While there is no structured debate during Zero Hour, other members may join in to express their views or seek clarifications. Ministers may also respond briefly to the issues raised, although detailed responses or discussions are typically reserved for scheduled debates and discussions.
Speaker's Discretion: The Speaker of the House exercises discretion in allowing members to raise issues during Zero Hour and in managing the proceedings. The Speaker decides the order in which MPs are allowed to speak and can limit the time allocated to each issue.
Importance: Zero Hour is an important feature of the Indian parliamentary system as it provides an avenue for MPs to draw attention to pressing matters and initiate discussions on topics of immediate concern. It allows for a degree of spontaneity in addressing current issues.

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QUESTION HOUR AND ZERO HOUR

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