Starred Questions In Parliamentary Proceedings | 28 Nov 2019

Why in News

The ongoing Winter Session of 17th Lok Sabha has taken all the 20 starred questions for the first time since 1972.

  • The previous record was created during the 5th Lok Sabha (1972) when 14 starred questions were answered.
    • In the 5th Lok Sabha (1972), the number of starred questions was fixed at 20 per Question Hour. Similarly, for the Rajya Sabha, the number is fixed at 15.
  • Members of Parliament have a right to ask questions which is one of the devices available to them to seek information on matters of public importance.
  • The Question Hour is one such mechanism in which the members ask questions on varied aspects of administration and governmental activity.

Question Hour

  • The first hour of every parliamentary sitting is termed as Question hour.
  • It is mentioned in the Rules of Procedure of the House.
  • During this time, the members ask questions and the ministers usually give answers.
  • The questions are of three types, namely,
    • Starred questions:
      • These are distinguished by an asterisk.
      • It requires an oral answer and hence supplementary questions can follow.
      • The list of these questions is printed in green colour.
    • Unstarred questions:
      • It requires a written answer and hence, supplementary questions cannot follow.
      • The list of these questions is printed in white colour.
    • Short notice questions:
      • The matters of public importance and of urgent character are considered under this type of questions.
      • It is asked by giving a notice of less than ten days.
      • It is answered orally.
      • The list of these questions is printed in light pink colour.
  • In addition to the ministers, the questions can also be asked to the private members.
    • Question to private members:
      • These questions are mentioned under Rule 40 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
      • A question may be addressed to a private member if the subject matter of the question relates to some bill, resolution for which that member is responsible.
      • The list of these questions is printed in yellow colour.

Source:IE