How MPs ask questions in Lok Sabha

How MPs ask questions in Lok Sabha

Subject: Polity

Section: Parliament

Context: The BJP MP had accused Mahua Moitra of accepting money from a businessman to ask questions in Parliament.

What is the procedure for raising the questions:

• The procedure for raising questions is governed by:
  • Rules 32 to 54 of the “Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha”
  • 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 lower house’s Secretary-General, intimating their intention to ask a question.
• 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,
  • The order of preference, in case the MP tables more than one notice of questions for the same day.
• 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 during the period of that session only.
• Usually, the period of notice of a question is not less than 15 days.
• There are two ways through which MPs can submit the notices of their questions.
  • First, through an online ‘Member’s Portal’, where they have to enter their ID and password to get access.
  • Second, through the printed forms available in the Parliamentary Notice Office.
• After submission of the notices, the next stage is when 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.

What are the conditions for the admissibility of questions:

• There exist several regulations that dictate the eligibility of a question presented by a Member of Parliament.
• For instance, these questions are generally limited to 150 words in length and must abstain from including arguments, defamatory remarks, or references to an individual’s character or behavior unless it relates to their official or public role.
• Additionally, questions addressing broad policy issues are typically not permitted due to the limitations of providing a comprehensive policy within a question’s response.
• Furthermore, 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 query also cannot seek information on matters which may weaken the unity and integrity of the country.

What are the different types of questions:

• There are four types of questionsi.estarred, unstarred, short-notice questions, and questions addressed to private Members.
• Starred Questions: These questions are asked by MPs and are answered orally by the Minister-in-charge. MPs can ask one starred question per day, and they must be submitted at least 15 days in advance. Only 20 starred questions can be listed for oral answers on a given day, and supplementary questions can be asked after the oral response.
• Unstarred Questions: Unstarred questions receive written replies from the Ministry. They also need to be submitted at least 15 days in advance, but they do not allow for follow-up questions. A total of 230 unstarred questions can be listed for written answers in a day.
• Short Notice Questions: These are questions related to urgent public matters and can be asked with less than 10 days’ notice, provided reasons for the short notice are given. Short notice questions are answered orally, and supplementary questions can follow.
• Questions to Private Members: These questions are addressed to the MP themselves. They are asked when the subject matter relates to a Bill, Resolution, or any matter concerning the Business of the House for which that MP is responsible. The procedure for these questions is similar to questions addressed to a Minister, with variations as determined by the Speaker.

What is the importance of raising questions:

• Asking questions in the Lok Sabha is an inherent parliamentary right for MPs, serving as a means of legislative control over the executive branch.
• This practice is used to acquire information, critique government policies, highlight shortcomings, and encourage ministers to take action for the public’s benefit.
• It also allows the government to gauge public reactions and can lead to the formation of commissions, inquiries, or new legislation.