Consider the following statements : In the House of the People, the la

Consider the following statements :
In the House of the People, the last two and a half hours of a sitting on Friday shall be allotted for the transaction of private members’ business :

  • 1. Provided that the Speaker may allot different Fridays for the disposal of different classes of such business and on Fridays so allotted for any particular class of business, business of that class shall have precedence.
  • 2. Provided further that the Speaker may, in consultation with the Leader of the House, allot any day other than a Friday for the transaction of private members’ business.
  • 3. Provided further that if there is no sitting of the House on a Friday, the Speaker may direct that two and a half hours on any other day in the week may be allotted for private members’ business.

Which of the above statements are correct ?

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC SO-Steno – 2018
The correct answer is B.
Rule 26 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha governs Private Members’ Business.
Statement 1 is incorrect. Rule 26(1) Proviso states: “Provided that the Speaker may, *in consultation with the Leader of the House*, allot different Fridays for the disposal of different classes of such business and on Fridays so allotted for any particular class of business, business of that class shall have precedence.” Statement 1 omits the requirement of consultation with the Leader of the House, which is a condition for the Speaker exercising this power.
Statement 2 is correct. Rule 26(2) states: “The Speaker may, in consultation with the Leader of the House, allot any day other than a Friday for the transaction of private members’ business…”
Statement 3 is correct. Rule 26(3) states: “Provided further that if there is no sitting of the House on a Friday, the Speaker may direct that two and a half hours on any other day in the week may be allotted for private members’ business.”
Private members’ business includes Bills and Resolutions introduced by members who are not Ministers. In Lok Sabha, this business is normally transacted on the last two and a half hours of a sitting on Friday. The rules allow flexibility in timing and prioritisation under certain conditions, often requiring consultation with the Leader of the House.