Parliamentary Devices

In a Parliamentary system, parliamentary devices are of much importance for the smooth running of the Houses. They are

1. Question hour

Parliamentary proceedings begin with Question Hour. The first hour of each sitting of Parliament is known as Question Hour. The time at which Question Hour begins in the Rajya Sabha has been changed since 2014. Question Hour now begins at 12 noon in the Rajya Sabha. The questions raised by the members of Parliament are answered by the ministers handling the respective departments. In addition to ministers, questions can also be asked to private members. There are usually three types of questions.

a. Starred questions

Questions that must be answered directly by the minister at the assembly level. Sub-questions can also be asked in connection with the question asked in accordance with the minister's reply. The Speaker decides whether the answer to the question should be given in writing or orally. A member has the right to ask only one starred question per day.

b. Unstarred Questions

The Minister does not have to answer such questions directly. A written answer can be placed on the table. Since it is a written answer, sub-questions cannot be raised for such questions.

c. Short Notice Questions

These are questions that raise questions on matters of urgent importance. Notice of not less than 10 days must be given for such questions.

To distinguish between starred questions, unstarred questions, short notice questions and the list of questions to private members, they are printed on green, white, light pink and yellow paper respectively.

2. Zero Hour

Zero Hour is an opportunity to raise matters of urgent importance without giving prior notice. Zero Hour is the time between Question Hour and the Agenda. It starts immediately after the question hour and lasts until the agenda for the day is taken up. Zero Hour is not mentioned in the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. Zero Hour was introduced in India in 1962. Zero Hour is India's contribution to parliamentary procedure. The duration of Zero Hour is one hour (from 12 noon to 1 am in the Lok Sabha). However, on some occasions, the duration of Zero Hour is more than one hour. In the Rajya Sabha, the procedure also begins with Zero Hour (from 11 am to 12 noon). Zero hour is an informal device available to the MPs to raise matters without any prior notice because it is not mentioned in the Rules of Procedure.

3. Point of Order

A member can protest against the proceedings of the House if he feels that they are going against the rules of the House and the normal working procedures. It is usually raised by the opposition member to control the government. A point of order is a motion to the Speaker indicating that the rules of the House or the Constitution are being violated. No discussion is allowed on a point of order.

4. Half-an-hour discussion

This is a discussion on matters of great public importance. The Speaker may allocate three days in a week for such discussions. There shall be no discussion, no motion or vote.

5. Short-duration discussion

Another name for short-duration discussion is two-hour discussion. The time allotted for this discussion shall not exceed two hours. Members of Parliament may raise such discussions on matters of urgent public importance. The Speaker may allocate two days in a week for such discussions. This system was started in 1953.

6. Special mention

Matters which cannot be raised during Question Hour, Half-an-hour discussion, Short-duration discussion, Point of Order or Adjournment Motion and which require the special attention of the Government may be presented in the Rajya Sabha. This is the Special Mention. Such issues can also be raised in the Lok Sabha through the procedure of 'Notice Under Rule 377'.

7. Resolutions

A resolution is one among the procedural devices to raise a discussion of general public interest. Resolutions are introduced by members of the House to draw the attention of the House or the Government to matters of public interest. Subject to the provisions of the rules, a member or a minister may move a resolution. All resolutions can be passed only by voting.

There are 3 types of resolutions

a. Private Member's Resolution: This is a resolution introduced by a Member of Parliament (private members) other than Ministers. It is discussed only on alternate Fridays and in the afternoon sitting.

b. Government Resolution: This is a resolution introduced by a Minister. It can be introduced on any day from Monday to Thursday.

c. Statutory Resolution: This can be introduced by a Minister or a Private Member. It is introduced in accordance with a provision in the Constitution or the Rules of Parliament.