This article is written by Bristi Ghosh : Sister Nivedita university; Bcom.LLB(h) 4th year during LeDroit  India  internship.

Abstract

The Parliament of India consists of three organs namely the President, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), and the House of the People (Lok Sabha). Question Hour and Zero Hour are two essential parliamentary proceedings. However, this article focuses only on Question Hour.

India inherited the practice of questioning the executive from the British parliamentary system. After independence, the Indian Parliament formally introduced Question Hour in 1952 during the first session of the lok sabha.

Question Hour is an essential part of parliamentary proceedings. It is the first hour of a sitting session in the Lok Sabha, during which members can ask questions regarding government policies or activities to the respective ministries. This proceeding helps to keep the government in check.The Constitution allows four types of questions to be asked during Question Hour: Starred Questions, Unstarred Questions, and Short Notice Questions,questions to private members Question Hour is crucial in parliamentary proceedings as it ensures government accountability, transparency, and responsiveness. It allows MPs to question ministers on policies and decisions, promoting informed debates, addressing public concerns, and strengthening democratic oversight in governance.

Keywords: question hour, parliamentary proceedings, Starred Questions, Unstarred Questions, Short Notice Questions, lok sabha.

Introduction 

Question Hour is a crucial part of parliamentary proceedings in India, held at the beginning of each sitting in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. It provides Members of Parliament (MPs) with an opportunity to question Ministers about the functioning of their ministries, policies, and government decisions. This session serves as a powerful tool for ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. By asking questions, MPs can seek explanations, highlight issues, and bring attention to matters of public concern. The government, in turn, is obligated to provide accurate and timely responses, making the administration more answerable to the people.

Question Hour usually takes place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on days when Parliament is in session. The questions asked during this time can be either starred or unstarred. Starred questions require oral answers and allow supplementary questions, leading to a more detailed discussion. Unstarred questions receive written replies, with no further discussion. There is also a provision for short notice questions, which are raised on urgent matters with the Speaker’s permission. This mechanism helps Parliament scrutinize the government’s actions and ensures that Ministers remain informed and prepared to address pressing national issues.

The concept of Question Hour is rooted in the parliamentary rules set by the Constitution. Article 113 allows both Houses to frame rules for their procedures, and under this provision, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have established guidelines for conducting Question Hour. This session not only strengthens democracy but also empowers MPs to act as the voice of the people by raising concerns that affect citizens. Over the years, Question Hour has played a vital role in bringing several important matters to light, influencing policy decisions, and keeping the government accountable to Parliament and the public.

Historical background of question hour 

The practice of questioning the government in India goes way back to the British era. It all started with the Charter Act of 1853, which allowed members of the Legislative Council to ask questions—though it was still a limited privilege. Over time, this right slowly expanded. The Indian Council Act of 1861 let members seek information from the government, and the Indian Council Act of 1892 formally introduced rules for asking questions, including short notice questions for urgent matters. Things evolved further with the 1909 Act, which allowed members to ask follow-up (supplementary) questions, making the process more interactive.

A major turning point came in 1919 with the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, which set aside the first hour of every meeting for asking questions. This was a game-changer—it created a structured system where the government had to answer directly to legislators. This tradition carried over after independence and became an essential feature of India’s parliamentary system.

When Rajya Sabha held its first sitting on 13 May 1952, there was no Question Hour in place. It wasn’t until 27 May 1952 that members got the chance to ask questions, with a half-hour slot allocated for it on 27 and 28 May. Recognizing its importance, the Chairman of Rajya Sabha announced on 14 July 1952 that the first hour of every sitting from Monday to Thursday would be reserved for questions. This officially started on 21 July 1952 and remained in place until 1964, when it was extended to Fridays as well.

Initially, Question Hour in Rajya Sabha ran from 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon. But later, an amendment to Rule 38 of the Rajya Sabha’s Rules of Procedure shifted it to 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM. This change helped better structure parliamentary proceedings while keeping the essence of Question Hour intact.

From its roots in colonial India to its formal adoption in Parliament, Question Hour has remained one of the strongest tools for holding the government accountable. It allows MPs to raise concerns, demand explanations, and ensure transparency in governance. What started as a small privilege in British India has now become a vital part of India’s democracy, ensuring that those in power remain answerable to the people.

Types of Questions Asked During Question Hour

During the Question Hour in Parliament, Members of Parliament (MPs) have the right to ask questions to hold the government accountable. These questions can be categorized into different types based on how they are answered and the urgency of the matter. Here are the main types of questions asked:

1. Starred Questions

A starred question is one that requires an oral response from the concerned minister. The MP asking the question marks it with an asterisk  to indicate that they expect a verbal reply in the House. After the minister responds, MPs can ask supplementary questions to seek further clarification. Since these questions involve real-time discussions, only a maximum of 20 starred questions are taken up on any given day.

2. Unstarred Questions

An unstarred question is one for which the minister provides a written response. These answers are laid on the table of the House, meaning they are recorded but not discussed verbally. Since there is no oral discussion, MPs are not allowed to ask supplementary questions. A maximum of 230 unstarred questions can be taken up in a single day, and they are printed on white paper.

3. Short Notice Questions

When an MP wants to raise a question on an urgent matter of public importance, they can submit a short notice question with less than ten days’ notice. These questions receive oral responses from the minister, and MPs are allowed to ask follow-up questions. Since these questions bypass the usual notice period, the MP must provide a valid reason for the urgency.

4. Questions to Private Members

While most questions during Question Hour are directed at government ministers, MPs can also ask questions to private members—those who are not Cabinet Ministers. Such questions usually relate to Bills, resolutions, or any other matters for which the private member is responsible. In the Lok Sabha, these questions are governed by Rule 40, while in the Rajya Sabha, they fall under Rule 48.

Each of these types of questions plays an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the government. Through Question Hour, MPs can seek information, raise concerns, and push for action on issues affecting the public.

Significance of Question Hour

1. Ensures Government Accountability –

 Question Hour gives MPs the opportunity to ask ministers about their policies and actions, ensuring that the government remains answerable to the people. Ministers must explain their decisions, and any inefficiencies or irregularities can be exposed.

2. Promotes Transparency – 

Since ministers must provide factual and documented answers, the process makes government functioning more transparent. The public gains access to crucial information about policies, governance, and administrative decisions.

3. Facilitates Information Dissemination – 

The questions asked cover a wide range of topics, bringing important government actions and policies into public view. With the proceedings being broadcasted, citizens can stay informed about key government initiatives and their impact.

4. Raises Public Awareness – 

The discussions during Question Hour help highlight important issues of national interest. This not only informs the public but also builds awareness about government policies and social concerns.

5. Reflects Public Opinion – 

MPs use this platform to raise concerns that directly impact their constituencies. By bringing public issues into the spotlight, Question Hour ensures that governance remains aligned with the needs and priorities of the people.

6. Strengthens Democracy – 

By allowing open questioning of the executive, Question Hour reinforces the democratic principle of checks and balances. It ensured that the government remains answerable to Parliament and, ultimately, to the citizens.

7. Encourages Policy Improvements – 

Ministers often become aware of flaws in their policies or administrative gaps through the questions asked. This can lead to modifications, new laws, or the appointment of commissions to investigate serious matters.

8. Exposes Irregularities and Triggers Action – 

Many financial scandals, administrative inefficiencies, and governance failures have been exposed during Question Hour. For example, in 1957, a financial fraud involving LIC’s investments was uncovered, leading to reforms in financial regulations.

9. Allows Supplementary Questions – 

Unlike many other parliamentary procedures, MPs can ask follow-up questions during Question Hour, allowing them to seek further clarification and press for more detailed responses.

10. Encourages Ministerial Preparedness – 

Since ministers know they will be questioned in Parliament, they must stay well-informed and prepared about their respective ministries, leading to more efficient governance.

 Question Hour is not just a procedural formality—it is a vital tool that upholds democracy, keeps the government accountable, and ensures that public concerns are addressed in Parliament.

Admissibility of questions

The rules for allowing questions in the Rajya Sabha are covered under Rules 47 to 50 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha). Generally, questions that ask about matters solely under a State’s jurisdiction—where the State Government, not the Union Government, is responsible—are not accepted. However, if a State is under President’s Rule, then questions related to that State’s affairs can be admitted.

Usually the following types of questions are admitted for written answer, that is, as Unstarred Questions :

(i)questions seeking information of statistical nature

(ii)questions seeking information in great details;

(iii)questions raising matters of local interest;

(iv)questions raising matters of local interest;questions relating to strength of staff in Government offices or Departments and representation in the service of communities protected under the Constitution;

(v)questions on which prima facie there could be no scope for Supplementaries;

(vi)questions asking for statements to be laid on the Table; and

(vii)questions of interest only to a limited section of the people.These, however, are only illustrative of the types of questions which may be admitted as Unstarred.

Recommendations for Strengthening Question Hour

To make Question Hour more effective, we need to focus on accountability, transparency, and meaningful engagement. Right now, it often turns into a political spectacle, with vague answers, dodged questions, and unnecessary disruptions. To fix this, the first step is ensuring that the questions being asked are relevant and address real public concerns. MPs should have the right to follow up if a minister gives a vague or incomplete answer, forcing more transparency.

We also need to make Question Hour more accessible to the public. Broadcasting it widely and maintaining an open online record of all questions and responses would help citizens stay informed. At the same time, ministers should be held to higher standards—if they repeatedly avoid answering, there should be consequences. Technology can also play a role, with digital tracking of questions, real-time fact-checking, and easier public engagement.

Another important step is expanding participation. Right now, major parties dominate, but independent MPs and smaller parties should get a fair chance to raise concerns. Citizens, too, should have a say—perhaps through petitions or a system where pressing public concerns get priority. Finally, the atmosphere needs to change. Instead of a shouting match, Question Hour should be a space for real dialogue that holds the government accountable. If we take these steps, Question Hour can become more than just a formality—it can be a real force for better governance.

Conclusion 

Question Hour is more than just a routine parliamentary session—it’s a crucial tool for keeping the government accountable and ensuring transparency in decision-making. Over the years, it has helped bring important issues to light, exposed inefficiencies, and even influenced policy changes. By allowing MPs to question ministers directly, it strengthens democracy and gives the public a clearer view of how the government functions.

However, for Question Hour to remain effective, it needs some serious improvements. Too often, it turns into a political battleground, with vague answers, dodged questions, and unnecessary disruptions. Stricter rules should be in place to ensure ministers provide clear, direct responses. At the same time, more MPs—especially from smaller parties—should get the opportunity to participate. Making the proceedings more accessible to the public, using technology to track questions and responses, and even allowing citizens to contribute through petitions could add more value to the process.

If these changes are implemented, Question Hour can become more than just a formality. It can be a real force for better governance, ensuring that those in power are always answerable to the people they serve.