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How MPs ask questions in Lok Sabha

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How MPs ask questions in Lok Sabha

  • Recently, the Lok Sabha Speaker had referred the bribe-for-query complaint against MP Mahua Moitra to the Ethics Committee of the Lower House.
  • The BJP MP had accused Mahua Moitra of accepting money from a businessman to ask questions in Parliament.

The Question Hour

  • When in session, the Lok Sabha generally starts with Question Hour.
  • It is a one hour time period provided to MPs to ask questions and hold ministers accountable for the functioning of their ministries.

Procedure for raising Questions in Lok Sabha

  1. Existing Rules
  • The procedure for raising questions is governed by
    • Rules 32 to 54 of the “Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha” and
    • Directions 10 to 18 of the “Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha‟.
  1. Procedure
  • To ask a question, an MP has to first give a notice addressed to the lower house’s Secretary General, intimating their intention to ask a question.
  • The notice usually contains the following
    • the text of the question
    • the official designation of the Minister to whom the question is addressed
    • the date on which the answer is desired
    • the order of preference, in case the MP tables more than one notice of questions for the same day.
  1. Number of Questions
  • A Member is allowed to give not more than five notices of questions, both for oral and written answers, in all, for any day.
  • Usually, the period of notice of a question is not less than 15 days.
  1. Ways through which MPs can submit the notices of their Questions
  • Through an online ‘Member’s Portal’, where they have to enter their ID and password to get access.
  • Through the printed forms available in the Parliamentary Notice Office.
  1. Role of Speaker
  • After submission of the notices, the Speaker of Lok Sabha examines the notices of the questions in the light of the laid out rules.
  • It is the Speaker, who decides if a question, or a part thereof, is or isn’t admissible.

Conditions for the Admissibility of Questions

  • Questions shall not ordinarily contain more than 150 words.
  • They shouldn’t contain arguments, defamatory statements, refer to the character or conduct of any person except in their official or public capacity.
  • Queries raising larger issues of policy are not allowed.
    • Because it is not possible to enunciate policies within the limited compass of an answer to a question.
  • A question isn’t admissible if its subject matter is pending judgement before any court of law or any other tribunal or body set up under law or is under consideration before a Parliamentary Committee.
  • A query also can’t seek information on matters which may weaken the unity and integrity of the country.

Different Types of Questions

  1. Starred Questions
  • A starred question is asked by an MP and answered orally by the Minister-in-charge.
  • Each MP is allowed to ask one starred question per day.
  • It has to be submitted at least 15 days in advance (so that the Minister-in-charge has the time to prepare the answers).
  • Only 20 questions can be listed for oral answers on a day.
  • When a question is answered orally, supplementary questions can be asked thereon.
  • They are better suited to inquire about the government’s views on issues and its policy inclination.
  1. Unstarred Questions
  • An unstarred question receives a written reply from the Ministry.
  • These also need to be submitted at least 15 days in advance.
  • Only 230 questions can be listed for written answers in a day.
  • Unlike starred questions, unstarred questions don’t permit any follow-up questions.
  • They are more conducive for getting answers to queries related to data or information.
  1. Short-notice Questions
  • Short notice questions are ones pertaining to a matter of urgent public importance.
  • They can be asked with less than 10 days notice, with reasons for the short notice.
  • Like a starred question, they are answered orally, followed by supplementary questions.
  1. Questions addressed to Private Members
  • The question to a private Member is addressed to the MP themselves.
  • It is asked when the subject matter pertains to any Bill, Resolution or any matter relating to the Business of the House for which that MP is responsible.

Importance of raising Questions

  • Asking questions is an inherent and unfettered parliamentary right of an MP.
  • The exercise is meant to act as a parliamentary device to practise legislative control over executive actions.
  • It can be used to
    • get information on aspects of administration and government activity
    • criticise government policies and schemes
    • throw light on government lapses
    • push ministers to take substantive steps for the common good
  • The government can use these questions to gauge public reaction to their policies and administration.
  • At times, questions lead to the formation of a parliamentary commission, a court of enquiry or even the enactment of a legislature.

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