Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 308

..... IS AN IMPORTANT MECHANISM THROUGH WHICH MPs CAN ELICIT INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORKING OF THE PARLIAMENT

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the formal parliamentary procedure for questioning ministers.

Correct Answer: B) QUESTION HOUR.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Banking Exams, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Question Hour is a crucial mechanism in the Indian Parliament that allows Members of Parliament (MPs) to elicit information about the working of the government and its various departments. This formal parliamentary procedure is designed to ensure transparency and accountability in governance. During Question Hour, MPs can ask questions to ministers, which can be either oral or written, and ministers are expected to provide answers to these questions.

The concept of Question Hour is rooted in the principles of democracy and the need for a transparent government. It is a time when MPs can hold the government accountable for its actions and policies. The questions can range from specific issues related to a particular department to broader policy questions. This mechanism ensures that MPs have a direct line of communication with the ministers and can seek clarifications on matters of public interest.

Question Hour is typically held on the first hour of the day in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) and the Rajya Sabha (the upper house). During this time, MPs can ask questions to ministers, and the ministers are required to provide answers. The questions can be unstarred (where the answer is provided in writing) or starred (where the answer is given orally in the House).

It is important to understand that Question Hour is not just a formality but a vital tool for MPs to perform their legislative functions effectively. It allows them to gather information, raise issues, and ensure that the government is responsive to the needs and concerns of the people. This mechanism is a cornerstone of parliamentary democracy and helps in maintaining the balance of power between the executive and the legislative branches of the government.

Other options like Demonstration, Media, and PROTESS do not fit the context of formal parliamentary mechanisms. Demonstrations are forms of protest and not structured parliamentary procedures. Media can report on parliamentary proceedings but does not directly facilitate MPs in eliciting information from ministers. The term "PROTESS" is not a recognized parliamentary term and is likely a misspelling or an incorrect term in this context.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Demonstration is not a formal parliamentary procedure for MPs to elicit information. It is a form of protest and not related to the structured mechanisms of Parliament.
  • Option B: Question Hour is the correct answer as it is a formal parliamentary procedure where MPs can ask questions to ministers to elicit information about the functioning of the government and its various departments.
  • Option C: Media can report on parliamentary proceedings and provide information, but it is not a formal parliamentary mechanism for MPs to elicit information directly from ministers.
  • Option D: The term "PROTESS" is not a recognized parliamentary procedure. It is likely a misspelling or a non-existent term in the context of parliamentary mechanisms.
Back to Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 308 – Practice all questions