What is the difference between Zero Hour and Question Hour in Parliament?

The Winter Session of Parliament began on a stormy note, with heated debates and protests in both Houses over the controversial bills that were passed. As we all know, the basic purpose of the Indian Parliament is to make laws for its citizens, and all legislative proposals must be presented to the Parliament in the form of bills. As a result, a bill is nothing more than a draught statute that cannot become law unless it is approved by both Houses of Parliament and the President of India.

When a bill becomes an Act, it is divided into clauses, which become sections. A bill must be passed through three stages: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the President's Assent.

Whenever there is a session in Parliament (whether Budget, Monsoon, or Winter), various terms are used that everyone should be familiar with. We discussed Question Hour, Zero Hour, Adjournment, and other topics in this article.

Question Hour

This is also known as the Parliament's Liveliest Hour. But why is that? During this one-hour session, members of Parliament question ministers and hold them accountable for the operation of their ministries. It serves as a tool for holding the government accountable to Parliament. It is the regular hour of regular business activity and typically begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 12 p.m.

What kinds of questions are asked during Question Hour?

1. Starred Questions- Because this type of question requires an oral response, supplementary questions may be asked.
2. Unstarred Questions- Because this question requires a written response, supplementary questions cannot be asked.
3. Short Notice Questions- These questions are asked with a 10-day notice.

Is there a limit to the number of questions that can be asked?

• Until the late 1960s, there was no limit on the number of unstarred questions that could be asked in a day in the Lok Sabha.
• The number of starred and unstarred questions an MP can ask in a day is now limited.
• There is a ballot in which MPs' questions are placed, and from that ballot, 20 starred questions are chosen for answers during Question Hour, and 230 unstarred questions are chosen for written responses.

Did you Know? During the 33rd (1961), 93rd (1975), 98th (1976) 99th (1977) Sessions there was no Question Hour as these sessions were summoned for Special Purpose like Orissa, Proclamation of Emergency, 44th Amendment, President's Rule TN/Nagaland.

Zero Hour

We have previously discussed how the Parliament begins its session by asking questions during Question Hour. Apart from that, the Parliament allows enough time for members to debate issues, which is where the concept of Zero Hour comes into play. Although the concept of Zero Hour is not explicitly stated in our parliamentary procedure, it has become a crucial norm in both houses of Parliament.

MPs may raise issues during a Zero Hour without prior notice. The time between Question Hour and the Agenda is known as Zero Hour.

What is the significance of the term "Zero Hour"?

While the dictionary defines 'Zero Hour' as "the critical moment" or "the moment of decision," in parliamentary parlance, it is the time between the end of Question Hour and the start of regular business. As previously stated, the Zero Hour is not mentioned in the Rules of Procedure, so it is considered an informal procedure for members of Parliament to raise serious issues. The other reason for naming it that is related to the fact that it begins at 12 p.m.

Other Crucial Parliamentary Terms

What exactly is a quorum?

The term quorum refers to the minimum number of members required to attend a house meeting. Our Indian Constitution establishes a quorum of one-tenth the size of both Houses, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

To conduct a Lok Sabha sitting, at least 55 members must be present, while at least 25 members must be present for a Rajya Sabha sitting.

What exactly is adjournment?

"The Lok Sabha was adjourned until 2 p.m. amid an uproar by the Opposition, who demanded a debate on the farm laws repeal bill."

"The Lok Sabha has been adjourned until 12 noon due to a ruckus by the Opposition."

These headlines are frequently seen whenever the Indian Parliament meets. But what exactly does adjournment imply?

When a Speaker declares Adjournment, it effectively ends the House's sitting, which will reconvene at the time set for the next sitting. The delay can last hours, days, or weeks.

Adjournment sine die occurs when a meeting is called off without a set time or date for the next meeting.

Conclusion

Because the Parliament of India is the country's Supreme Legislative Body, the Question Hour is strictly regulated, whereas Zero Hour is an Indian Parliamentary Innovation. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, there was no Question Hour during the last Monsoon Session of Parliament, and Zero Hour was also limited. Both Zero Hour and Question Hour are critical for the smooth operation of the organisation.

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