The Indian Express (Delhi Edition)
Questions in Parliament
Why do questions asked by MPS matter? What is the procedure for MPS to ask questions, and what do’s and don’ts must they follow? What are the various categories of questions, and how are they answered?
ON OCTOBER 26, the Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha will hear “oral evidence” from BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on his allegation that TMC Mp mahuamoi tr a had accepted“bribes” to ask questions in Parliament targeting the Adani Group. Moitra has denied the allegation.
On Thursday, Darshan Hiranandani, CEO of the Hiranandani Group, one of India’s biggest real estate developers, claimed that Moitra had given him “her Parliament login and password so that I could post the questions directly on her behalf when required”.
When and how can an MP ask a question in Parliament?
When in session, Lok Sabha generally starts with Question Hour — a period of an hour that is provided to MPS to ask questions of Ministers, and to hold them accountable for the functioning of their ministries.
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.
To ask a question, an MP has to first give a notice addressed to the Secretary General of the House, intimating their intention to ask a question. Usually, the period of notice for a question is not less than 15 days.
The notice usually contains 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, and the order of preference, inca set hemp tables more than one notice of questions for the same day.
How many questions can an MP ask?
Question Hour in Lok Sabha, a document published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, says:
“A Member is allowed to give not more than five notices of questions, both for oral and written answers, in all, for any day. Notices received in excess of five from a Member for a day, are considered for the subsequent day(s) concerning that Minister(s) during the period of that session only.”
The Lok Sabha Secretariat holds a ballot of questions received from MPS for a particular day. The questions selected in the ballot are then answered by the respective Ministries.
How are the notices for questions submitted?
There are two ways by which an MP can submit the notices of their questions. First, through an online ‘Member’s Portal’, to access which they have to enter their ID and password. Second, through the printed forms available in the Parliamentary Notice Office.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat examines the notices of the questions in the light of laiddown rules, and decides whether a question, or a part thereof, is or is not admissible.
How is admissibility decided?
A set of rules govern the admissibility of a question raised by an MP. For example, questions shall not ordinarily contain more than 150 words. They should not contain arguments or defamatory statements, or refer to the character or conduct of any person except in their official or public capacity.
Questions that raise larger issues of policy are not allowed — the reason being it is not possible to enunciate policies within the limited compass of an answer to a question.
Also, a question is not admissible if its subject matter is pending judgment before any court of law or any other tribunal or body set up under law, or is under consideration before a Parliamentary Committee.
A question that seeks information, the free availability of which may weaken the unity and integrity of the country, is not allowed.
Are all questions answered in person by the concerned Minister in the House?
No. There are four types of questions: starred,unstarred,short-noticequestions,and questions addressed to private Members.
■ A starred question is answered orally by the Minister in charge of the concerned department. Each MP is allowed to ask one starred question per day. Starred questions have to be submitted at least 15 days in advance, so that the Minister has the time to prepare the answers. On any day, only 20 questions can be listed for oral answers. When a question is answered orally, supplementary questions can be asked thereon.
■ An unstarred question receives a written reply from the Ministry. These questions too, need to be submitted at least 15 days in advance. Up to 230 questions can be listed for written answers in a day. No follow-up questions can be asked to an unstarred question.
According to a report by PRS Legislative Research, while starred questions are better suited to inquire about the government’s views on issues and its policy inclination, unstarred questions are more conducive for getting answers to queries related to data or information. (Engaging as a Parliamentarian: How to Intervene Effectively, May 2019)
■ Short notice questions are those that pertain 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.
■ A question to a private Member is addressed to the Member. 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.
Why is the raising of questions in Parliament important?
Asking questions is an“inherent and unfettered” parliamentary right of an MP, according to Question Hour in Lo kS ab ha. the exercise acts as a parliamentary device to practise legislative control over executive actions.
The government, on its part, can use these questions to gauge the public reaction to its policies and administration. At times, questions lead to the formation of a Parliamentary commission, a court of inquiry or even the enactment of legislation.