The Unstarred questions are the questions that are not distinguished by an asterisk (*) mark while addressing a Minister. This means it doesn’t require an oral answer and is therefore given a written answer which is laid on the table of the house after the end of Question Hour.

What are Unstarred questions in parliamentary proceedings?

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

• An asterisk mark is absent next to the question to indicate an unstarred question.
• It doesn’t demand an oral answer on the floor of the house in question hour.
• A maximum of 230 unstarred questions is allowed in a day.
• The questions are given a written reply. Therefore no follow up questions are allowed.
• The word limit of each question is limited to 150 words.
• Each Member of the Parliament is allowed to ask a maximum of 4 to 5 unstarred questions based on whether they asked a starred question or not respectively.

Conclusion

The Unstarred Questions are an important part of the Question hour which enable the members to seek information regarding the functioning of the government in detailed written answers. This is generally used to seek details regarding government expenditure details and factual details which doesn't require a discussion.

FAQs

Question. What is an unstarred question in parliamentary proceedings?

Question. How is an unstarred question different from a star question?

Question. Why are unstarred questions used in parliamentary proceedings?

Question. What is the procedure for asking an unstarred question in the Indian Parliament?

Question. How are unstarred questions answered?

MCQs

1. What is the primary difference between a star and an unstarred question?

A) Star questions require a written response, while unstarred questions require an oral response.

B) Star questions are answered by the Speaker, while unstarred questions are answered by the President.

C) Star questions require an oral response, while unstarred questions require a written response.

D) Star questions are for issues of national security, while unstarred questions are for local issues.

2. Unstarred questions in Parliament are usually answered:

A) In the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha sessions only.

B) In writing and circulated to MPs.

C) By the President of India.

D) By the judiciary.

3. Who provides the response to an unstarred question in Parliament?

A) The Prime Minister

B) The concerned Minister

C) The Speaker

D) The President

4. Why are unstarred questions important in parliamentary proceedings?

A) They save time by not requiring oral responses.

B) They are asked only for issues of national security.

C) They allow MPs to discuss issues in the House.

D) They are a way to delay parliamentary proceedings.

5. What happens after an unstarred question is answered in Parliament?

A) The answer is only read aloud in the House.

B) The answer is debated in the House.

C) The answer is printed and circulated to MPs.

D) The answer is sent to the President for approval.

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the significance of unstarred questions in ensuring accountability in the Indian Parliament.

Answer: Unstarred questions play a crucial role in ensuring accountability in the Indian Parliament by allowing Members of Parliament (MPs) to obtain detailed information from the government on various issues without requiring the time-consuming process of oral responses. These questions enable MPs to inquire about government policies, programs, and the administration's actions, thus holding the government accountable for its decisions and actions. By requiring the government to respond in writing, unstarred questions ensure that the government provides factual and detailed information, which can be used by MPs for debate, analysis, and decision-making. They also promote transparency, as the answers to unstarred questions are circulated among MPs and made available to the public, ensuring that the government's position on various issues is accessible to all citizens.

Q2: Discuss the role of unstarred questions in the functioning of the Indian Parliament and their contribution to informed policymaking.

Answer: Unstarred questions are an essential tool in the functioning of the Indian Parliament, contributing to the effective scrutiny of the executive by the legislature. They allow MPs to gather information on a wide range of issues, including government policies, financial matters, and administrative decisions. By obtaining written answers to these questions, MPs are better informed and can make more effective contributions during debates, discussions, and decision-making processes. Unstarred questions help in identifying gaps in governance, highlighting issues that need attention, and facilitating informed policymaking. These questions encourage transparency in the government's functioning, as the answers are made available to all MPs and the public. As such, unstarred questions are an important means by which MPs can engage in the legislative process and ensure that the government remains accountable to the people.

Q3: Evaluate the advantages and limitations of unstarred questions in the context of parliamentary procedures in India.

Answer: Unstarred questions offer several advantages in the context of parliamentary procedures in India. They provide a quick and efficient method for MPs to obtain information from the government on various matters without taking up valuable time in the House, as they are answered in writing rather than requiring an oral response. This helps maintain the flow of parliamentary proceedings and ensures that MPs have access to detailed information on a variety of issues. Additionally, the answers to unstarred questions are circulated to all MPs, promoting transparency and making government actions more accessible to the public. However, there are limitations as well. The written responses to unstarred questions can sometimes be brief or vague, and MPs may not have the opportunity to seek clarifications in real-time as they would during oral responses to star questions. Furthermore, the lack of debate on these questions may limit their potential to highlight important issues and engage MPs in detailed discussions. Despite these limitations, unstarred questions remain a crucial tool for enhancing transparency and accountability in the Indian Parliament.

Previous Year Questions on  Unstarred Question

1. UPSC CSE - 2020

Question: "Discuss the importance of written questions in parliamentary proceedings and their role in ensuring government accountability."

Answer: Written questions, including unstarred questions, are crucial for ensuring government accountability in parliamentary proceedings. They allow Members of Parliament (MPs) to inquire about specific government actions, policies, or decisions in detail without occupying parliamentary time for oral responses. The answers to these questions are provided in writing, allowing MPs to receive precise and factual information that can be used for further debate or scrutiny. Written questions help maintain transparency, as their answers are circulated among MPs and made available to the public. These questions serve as an essential tool for MPs to hold the government accountable, track the implementation of policies, and identify areas where the government needs to improve or address issues of public concern. Written questions, therefore, play an integral role in maintaining democratic governance and ensuring the government's responsiveness to parliamentary scrutiny.

2. UPSC CSE - 2019

Question: "Explain the process and significance of unstarred questions in the functioning of the Indian Parliament."

Answer: Unstarred questions are an essential part of the functioning of the Indian Parliament, allowing Members of Parliament (MPs) to obtain detailed, written responses from the government on a wide range of issues. The process involves MPs submitting their questions in writing, which are then answered by the concerned ministers in written form. These questions do not require an oral response during parliamentary proceedings, saving time and allowing MPs to obtain factual information without interrupting the flow of parliamentary discussions. The significance of unstarred questions lies in their ability to facilitate transparency and accountability, as the answers are circulated among MPs and made available to the public. They help MPs stay informed about government activities, make well-informed decisions, and raise important issues that require further attention. Unstarred questions contribute to the overall functioning of Parliament by providing MPs with a means to engage with the executive and ensure that the government's actions are subject to scrutiny.