A member may give notice of question on a matter of public importance and of urgent character for an oral answer at a notice less than 10 days prescribed as the minimum period of notice for asking a question in the ordinary course. Such a question is known as ‘Short Notice Question’.

If the Speaker is satisfied that the question is of public importance and the Minister is ready to answer it, it is taken up after the Question Hour. The concerned minister has to answer the question orally on the floor of the house.

What are short notice questions in parliamentary proceedings?

Some of the characteristics of the short notice questions in parliamentary proceedings are:

• It must be of public importance.
• It requires oral answers and supplementary questions may follow.
• The Questions are printed on a light pink paper to distinguish from starred and unstarred questions.
• The word limit of each question is limited to 150 words.

Conclusion

The Short notice questions give a platform to hold the minister and the government accountable on issues that are of urgent public importance. This bypasses the 15-day notice which has to be given for taking up in the Question Hour and can be taken up immediately when the minister is ready to answer.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the primary objective of a short notice question?

A) To seek detailed information
B) To address urgent matters
C) To file complaints
D) To conduct investigations

2. How much notice is required for a short notice question?

A) 10 days
B) 7 days
C) 5 days
D) Less than 10 days

3. Who is responsible for responding to short notice questions?

A) The Speaker
B) The Prime Minister
C) The Minister concerned
D) The Opposition Leader

4. What happens if a short notice question is not answered during the session?

A) It is archived
B) It is postponed
C) It is answered later in writing
D) It is deleted

5. How does a short notice question contribute to parliamentary democracy?

A) By hindering debate
B) By promoting accountability
C) By discouraging questions
D) By limiting participation

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Examine the significance of short notice questions in enhancing the accountability of the government in India.

Answer: Short notice questions play a crucial role in enhancing government accountability by compelling ministers to respond to urgent matters raised by Members of Parliament (MPs). This mechanism ensures that pressing issues affecting the public are addressed in real-time during parliamentary sessions. By allowing MPs to seek immediate clarifications, short notice questions foster transparency in governance and keep the government responsive to the needs of the citizens. Furthermore, this practice promotes a culture of inquiry and oversight within the legislative framework, reinforcing democratic principles.

Q2: Discuss the procedural aspects of raising short notice questions in the Indian Parliament.

Answer: The procedure for raising short notice questions in the Indian Parliament involves MPs submitting their questions in writing to the parliamentary secretariat. These questions must adhere to the stipulated guidelines, including the timeframe for notice, which is less than ten days. Once submitted, the questions are vetted for relevance and admissibility. Approved questions are listed for consideration during the session, and the relevant minister is expected to provide answers during the proceedings. This structured approach ensures that the parliamentary discourse remains focused and efficient.

Q3: Evaluate the impact of short notice questions on parliamentary proceedings and decision-making.

Answer: Short notice questions significantly impact parliamentary proceedings by introducing urgent issues into the legislative agenda, thereby influencing decision-making processes. They create an opportunity for MPs to raise immediate concerns, prompting discussions that may lead to policy reviews or amendments. Moreover, the responses to these questions can shape public perception of government actions and priorities. The ability of MPs to challenge the government on pressing matters encourages a more dynamic and responsive legislative environment, essential for effective governance.

Previous Year Questions on Short Notice Questions

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: What distinguishes a short notice question from a regular question in parliamentary proceedings?

A) Time required for response
B) Type of information requested
C) Complexity of the question
D) Number of questions asked

Answer: (A)

Explanation: A short notice question requires less than ten days’ notice, distinguishing it from regular questions that require at least ten days.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 2):

Question: "Analyze the role of short notice questions in the context of parliamentary democracy in India."

Answer: Short notice questions play a significant role in parliamentary democracy by enabling MPs to address urgent issues directly. They enhance accountability by requiring prompt responses from ministers, ensuring that critical issues are not overlooked. This practice supports the legislative function of oversight and fosters a responsive government that is attuned to the needs of its citizens.