Points to Remember:
- Starred questions require oral answers in the Parliament.
- Unstarred questions do not require oral answers; they are answered in writing.
- The difference lies primarily in the method of receiving the answer and the level of parliamentary debate they generate.
- Both types of questions are crucial for parliamentary accountability and government transparency.
Introduction:
In parliamentary democracies, the Question Hour is a vital mechanism for holding the government accountable to the legislature and, by extension, the public. Members of Parliament (MPs) utilize questions to seek clarifications on government policies, actions, and spending. These questions are broadly categorized into two types: starred and unstarred. The distinction lies in the manner in which the government responds, impacting the level of public scrutiny and parliamentary debate. This difference significantly influences the effectiveness of these questions in ensuring government transparency and responsiveness.
Body:
1. Starred Questions:
Definition and Procedure: Starred questions are those marked with an asterisk (*). They are intended for oral answers in the Parliament. The MP asking the question has the right to ask supplementary questions based on the government’s response. This allows for a more detailed and in-depth discussion of the issue. The time allocated for starred questions is limited, leading to a brisk exchange between the MP and the minister concerned.
Advantages: Starred questions provide an opportunity for immediate clarification and public scrutiny. The live exchange allows for probing follow-up questions, potentially revealing crucial information that might be omitted in a written response. The public nature of the exchange also adds pressure on the government to provide accurate and comprehensive answers.
Disadvantages: The time constraint can limit the depth of discussion. The number of starred questions that can be addressed during a session is limited, leading to a backlog. The focus on oral answers might overshadow the importance of detailed written documentation.
2. Unstarred Questions:
Definition and Procedure: Unstarred questions are those without an asterisk. They are answered in writing and laid on the table of the House. No oral answer is given, and supplementary questions are not permitted. The written answers are usually published in the Parliament’s official records.
Advantages: Unstarred questions allow for a more detailed and comprehensive response, as there is no time constraint. A larger number of unstarred questions can be addressed compared to starred questions. This allows for a broader range of issues to be raised and addressed.
Disadvantages: The lack of oral interaction limits the opportunity for probing follow-up questions. The written answers might lack the immediacy and public attention that oral answers receive. The possibility of less detailed or less transparent answers exists due to the absence of direct questioning.
3. Comparative Analysis:
| Feature | Starred Questions | Unstarred Questions |
|—————–|————————————–|—————————————|
| Answer Type | Oral | Written |
| Supplementary Qs | Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Public Scrutiny | High (live debate) | Lower (written response) |
| Time Constraint | Yes (limited time for each question) | No |
| Number Handled | Fewer | More |
| Depth of Answer | Limited by time | More detailed and comprehensive |
Conclusion:
Both starred and unstarred questions serve crucial roles in parliamentary accountability. Starred questions facilitate immediate public scrutiny and in-depth debate, while unstarred questions allow for a more comprehensive response to a wider range of issues. An optimal system would involve a balance between both types, ensuring that important matters receive the attention they deserve through oral questioning, while less urgent issues are addressed through written responses. Improvements could include streamlining the process for both types of questions, enhancing the accessibility of written answers to the public, and potentially exploring mechanisms for follow-up questions on unstarred questions, perhaps through written submissions. A well-functioning question hour, utilizing both starred and unstarred questions effectively, is essential for a healthy and transparent democracy, upholding the principles of accountability and good governance.
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