Starred Questions of the Question Hour are a set of questions that need to be answered orally by the Minister. It is called a starred question because an asterisk (*) symbol is used to indicate that the question requires an oral answer in the question hour on the floor of the house. This can be followed by a rebuttal and follow up questions.

What Are Starred Questions In Parliamentary Proceedings?

Some of the characteristics of the starred questions in parliamentary proceedings are:

• Starred Questions are the questions that demand an oral answer in a question hour.
• An asterisk mark is used next to the question to indicate a starred question.
• A maximum of 20 starred questions is allowed in a day.
• The questions can be followed by follow up questions and discussion.
• The word limit of each question is limited to 150 words.
• Each Member of the Parliament is allowed to ask a maximum of 1 starred question.

Conclusion

Starred Questions are thus an important part of the Question hour which enable the member to counterargument the answers given by the ministers on the floor of the house. This in turn has led to meaningful discussions in the Parliament over time.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What does a Starred Question require in the Indian Parliament?

A) A written response
B) An oral response in the Parliament
C) A response by the opposition
D) No response required

2. What is the primary purpose of a Starred Question in the Indian Parliament?

A) To seek financial assistance
B) To raise urgent matters and ensure government accountability
C) To make laws
D) To review bills

3. How is a Starred Question different from an Unstarred Question?

A) A Starred Question requires a written response; an Unstarred Question requires an oral response
B) A Starred Question is asked during the Question Hour; an Unstarred Question is asked at any time
C) A Starred Question requires an oral response; an Unstarred Question requires a written response
D) There is no difference between the two

4. What must be submitted in advance to ask a Starred Question in Parliament?

A) Written answer by the government
B) The question itself, following parliamentary procedures
C) A bill
D) A petition

5. Who determines whether a Starred Question is admissible in Parliament?

A) The President of India
B) The Speaker of the House
C) The Prime Minister
D) The Leader of the Opposition

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the importance of Starred Questions in the parliamentary system of India.

Answer: Starred Questions are an essential tool in the Indian parliamentary system that fosters transparency and accountability. They allow MPs to directly question the executive about government actions, policies, and decisions. The oral responses during Question Hour provide immediate answers and create an opportunity for further scrutiny through supplementary questions. This process helps keep the government accountable, especially on issues of public interest. Starred Questions also serve as a means for opposition parties to highlight issues and press for accountability from the ruling government. Through this mechanism, the Indian parliamentary system ensures that ministers are responsive to the concerns of both MPs and the public.

Q2: What are the challenges associated with Starred Questions in the Indian Parliament?

Answer: While Starred Questions are an important aspect of parliamentary procedure, there are several challenges associated with them. One major issue is the limited time available during Question Hour, which often prevents MPs from asking follow-up questions. Additionally, the quality of answers provided by ministers is sometimes criticized as being vague or evasive, which diminishes the effectiveness of the mechanism. Furthermore, many important questions remain unanswered due to a lack of adequate preparation or prioritization by the government. The growing number of MPs and the increasing complexity of issues raised in Parliament also complicate the process, leading to an over-reliance on written answers rather than oral responses.

Q3: Explain the role of Starred Questions in ensuring the accountability of the executive in a democracy.

Answer: Starred Questions play a crucial role in ensuring the accountability of the executive in a democracy by providing a platform for MPs to directly question the government about its actions and policies. These questions allow the public to gain insight into the functioning of the government, as they are raised on issues that affect the citizens. The process ensures that the executive answers to the legislature, thereby reinforcing the principle of checks and balances. Starred Questions help bring transparency to government functioning, encourage ministers to be prepared with facts, and make them directly accountable to the people's representatives. This strengthens democratic governance by ensuring that the executive is responsive and answerable to Parliament and the public.

Previous Year Questions on Parliamentary Proceedings

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: In the context of the parliamentary proceedings in India, a Starred Question is one that:

A) Requires a written response
B) Requires an oral response from the minister
C) Is always answered by the President
D) Is not open for supplementary questions

Answer: (B)

Explanation: A Starred Question is one that requires an oral response from the minister during the Question Hour. MPs can also ask supplementary questions based on the minister’s response.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 2):

Question: How do Starred Questions contribute to the functioning of the Indian Parliament?

Answer: Starred Questions help promote accountability in the Indian Parliament by allowing MPs to directly question the government on important issues. These questions facilitate the transparency of government operations and policies, ensure that the ministers are responsive to public concerns, and create an avenue for follow-up actions through supplementary questions. They enhance the oversight function of the legislature, ensuring that the executive remains accountable to the people through their elected representatives.