Article 1: Parliamentary Questions Asked During the Lok Sabha
Why in news: During the 17th Lok Sabha, many MPs sought basic youth employment data, revealing weak data coordination, poor interoperability, and lack of standardisation in India’s governance system, affecting effective policymaking.
Key Details
- Parliamentary Questions are tools used by MPs in the Lok Sabha to ensure government accountability and seek information on public issues.
- Question Hour, held during the first hour of Lok Sabha sittings, enables ministers to answer MPs’ questions and promotes transparency and democratic oversight.
- Parliamentary questions are of different types — Starred, Unstarred, Short Notice, and Questions to Private Members — each serving different purposes and procedures.
- Analysis of questions during the 17th Lok Sabha showed MPs frequently sought basic youth employment data, highlighting weak data coordination and poor interoperability in governance systems.
- Lack of data standardisation in India affects reliable policymaking, as fragmented databases and inconsistent information reduce the effectiveness of governance and public administration.
Meaning of Parliamentary Questions
- Parliamentary Questions are formal questions asked by Members of Parliament (MPs) to ministers in the Lok Sabha.
- They are an important tool for ensuring government accountability.
- Questions help MPs obtain information about government policies, expenditure, and administration.
- They enable discussion on matters of public importance.
- The practice strengthens parliamentary democracy and transparency.
Purpose of Asking Questions
- To seek information from the government.
- To highlight public grievances and regional issues.
- To monitor the functioning of ministries.
- To expose administrative lapses or corruption.
- To compel ministers to justify government actions.
Question Hour
- The first hour of every Lok Sabha sitting is generally called Question Hour.
- During this period, ministers answer questions raised by MPs.
- It is considered one of the most productive parliamentary devices.
- It promotes direct interaction between MPs and the executive.
- It increases public awareness of governmental affairs.
Types of Parliamentary Questions
Starred Questions
- Marked with an asterisk (*).
- Require an oral answer by the minister.
- Supplementary questions can be asked after the reply.
- They allow detailed discussion on the issue.
- Limited number of starred questions are admitted daily.
Unstarred Questions
- Require a written answer.
- No supplementary questions are permitted.
- Usually used for detailed statistical or factual information.
- Replies are laid on the table of the House.
- Larger number of unstarred questions are accepted.
Short Notice Questions
- Asked on matters of urgent public importance.
- Notice period is shorter than normal questions.
- Answered orally by the minister.
- Supplementary questions are allowed.
- Admission depends on the Speaker’s approval.
Questions to Private Members
- Directed to MPs who are not ministers.
- Related to bills or matters connected with private members.
- Less common compared to questions to ministers.
- Help clarify issues related to private members’ business.
- Follow procedures similar to ordinary questions.
Procedure for Asking Questions
- MPs submit questions within the prescribed notice period.
- Questions must relate to matters under the government’s jurisdiction.
- The Speaker of Lok Sabha decides admissibility.
- Questions should not contain arguments or defamatory remarks.
- Approved questions are listed for discussion in the House.
Importance of Parliamentary Questions
- Ensure executive accountability to Parliament.
- Strengthen democratic governance.
- Provide transparency in administration.
- Encourage informed debates in Parliament.
- Help citizens understand government functioning.
Limitations
- Time available during Question Hour is limited.
- Many questions may remain unanswered due to shortage of time.
- Political disruptions sometimes affect proceedings.
- Ministers may provide incomplete or delayed information.
- Excessive adjournments reduce effectiveness of Question Hour.
Conclusion
- Parliamentary questions are a vital feature of the Lok Sabha.
- They help maintain checks and balances in governance.
- Through Question Hour, MPs represent citizens’ concerns effectively.
- The system promotes transparency, accountability, and responsiveness.
- A strong Question Hour is essential for a healthy parliamentary democracy.
Descriptive question:
Q. “Parliamentary Questions are an important instrument of executive accountability, but their effectiveness depends upon the quality and standardisation of government data.” Discuss in the context of the 17th Lok Sabha. (15 marks, 250 words)