The Starred Question: A Tool for Accountability and Transparency in Parliamentary Proceedings
The parliamentary system, a cornerstone of democratic governance, relies on robust mechanisms for holding the executive accountable. One such mechanism, the “starred question,” plays a crucial role in facilitating transparency and ensuring that the government remains responsive to the needs and concerns of the people. This article delves into the intricacies of the starred question, exploring its historical evolution, its significance in parliamentary proceedings, and its impact on democratic governance.
The Genesis of the Starred Question: A Historical Perspective
The concept of parliamentary questions, including starred questions, emerged as a natural consequence of the evolution of parliamentary systems. In the early days of representative government, the relationship between the executive and the legislature was often characterized by a lack of transparency and accountability. The executive, often wielding significant power, was not always obligated to provide information or justify its actions to the legislature.
The rise of parliamentary democracy, however, brought with it a demand for greater transparency and accountability. This demand led to the development of various mechanisms, including parliamentary questions, to ensure that the executive was held responsible for its actions and that the legislature could effectively scrutinize its policies.
The starred question, as a specific type of parliamentary question, emerged as a means of ensuring that the government provided prompt and detailed answers to important questions raised by members of parliament. The “star” designation, typically denoted by an asterisk (*), signified that the question was considered significant and required a written answer from the relevant minister.
The Starred Question: A Key Feature of Parliamentary Proceedings
The starred question, a fundamental feature of parliamentary proceedings in many democratic countries, serves as a crucial tool for holding the government accountable and ensuring transparency in its operations. It empowers members of parliament to seek information on a wide range of issues, including:
- Government policies and programs: Members can inquire about the government’s plans, strategies, and implementation of various policies and programs.
- Allocation of resources: Questions can be raised regarding the government’s budget, expenditure, and allocation of resources to different sectors.
- Performance of government departments: Members can seek information about the functioning and performance of various government departments and agencies.
- Specific cases and incidents: Questions can be asked about specific cases or incidents involving government officials or agencies.
- Public concerns and grievances: Members can raise questions on behalf of their constituents, addressing public concerns and grievances.
The Process of Asking and Answering Starred Questions
The process of asking and answering starred questions typically involves the following steps:
- Notice of Question: A member of parliament submits a written notice of the question to the parliamentary secretariat, usually within a specified timeframe before the parliamentary session.
- Allocation to Minister: The secretariat allocates the question to the relevant minister responsible for the subject matter.
- Preparation of Answer: The minister, with the assistance of their department, prepares a written answer to the question.
- Presentation of Answer: The minister presents the written answer to the parliament during the designated question hour.
- Discussion and Debate: Members of parliament can then engage in discussion and debate on the question and the minister’s answer.
The Significance of the Starred Question in Democratic Governance
The starred question plays a vital role in strengthening democratic governance by:
- Enhancing Transparency and Accountability: By requiring the government to provide written answers to questions, the starred question promotes transparency and accountability. It ensures that the government is not operating in secrecy and that its actions are subject to public scrutiny.
- Facilitating Public Discourse: The process of asking and answering starred questions provides a platform for public discourse on important issues. It allows members of parliament to raise concerns, seek clarification, and engage in debate on matters of public interest.
- Empowering the Legislature: The starred question empowers the legislature to effectively scrutinize the executive and hold it accountable for its actions. It provides members of parliament with a powerful tool to investigate government policies, programs, and activities.
- Protecting Public Interests: By allowing members of parliament to raise questions on behalf of their constituents, the starred question helps to protect public interests and ensure that the government is responsive to the needs of the people.
The Starred Question: A Comparative Perspective
The use of starred questions is a common practice in parliamentary systems around the world. However, there are some variations in the specific procedures and practices adopted by different countries.
Table 1: Comparison of Starred Question Procedures in Different Countries
| Country | Notice Period | Answer Format | Time for Answer | Discussion Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 10 days | Written | During Question Hour | Yes |
| United Kingdom | 2 days | Written | During Question Hour | Yes |
| Canada | 3 days | Written | During Question Period | Yes |
| Australia | 1 day | Written | During Question Time | Yes |
| United States | Not applicable | Oral | During Question Period | Yes |
As the table shows, there are variations in the notice period, answer format, time for answer, and the extent of discussion allowed in different countries. However, the underlying principle of the starred question, which is to promote transparency and accountability, remains consistent across these parliamentary systems.
Challenges and Limitations of the Starred Question
Despite its significance, the starred question system is not without its challenges and limitations. Some of the key issues include:
- Limited Scope: The starred question system is primarily focused on seeking information and holding the government accountable. It is not designed to address complex policy issues or initiate legislative action.
- Time Constraints: The time allocated for answering starred questions is often limited, which can restrict the depth and detail of the answers provided.
- Ministerial Discretion: Ministers have some discretion in deciding how to answer starred questions, which can lead to evasive or incomplete responses.
- Lack of Follow-up: There is often a lack of follow-up on the answers provided to starred questions, which can limit their effectiveness in holding the government accountable.
Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Starred Question
To address these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of the starred question system, several measures can be taken:
- Expanding the Scope: The scope of starred questions can be expanded to include more complex policy issues and to facilitate legislative action.
- Increasing Time Allocation: The time allocated for answering starred questions can be increased to allow for more comprehensive and detailed responses.
- Strengthening Accountability Mechanisms: Mechanisms can be put in place to ensure that ministers provide accurate and complete answers to starred questions and that there is follow-up on the issues raised.
- Promoting Public Awareness: Public awareness of the starred question system can be increased to encourage greater participation and engagement.
Conclusion: The Starred Question – A Vital Tool for Democratic Governance
The starred question, a cornerstone of parliamentary proceedings, plays a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in democratic governance. It empowers members of parliament to seek information, hold the government accountable, and engage in public discourse on important issues. While the system faces challenges and limitations, it remains an essential tool for strengthening democratic institutions and protecting public interests. By addressing the challenges and enhancing its effectiveness, the starred question can continue to serve as a powerful mechanism for promoting good governance and ensuring that the government remains accountable to the people it serves.
Frequently Asked Questions about Starred Questions in Parliamentary Proceedings
Here are some frequently asked questions about starred questions in parliamentary proceedings:
1. What is a starred question?
A starred question is a written question submitted by a member of parliament to a minister, requiring a written answer to be presented in the parliament during the designated question hour. The “star” designation signifies its importance and the requirement for a detailed written response.
2. What is the purpose of a starred question?
The primary purpose of a starred question is to:
- Hold the government accountable: By requiring ministers to provide written answers, starred questions ensure transparency and accountability in government actions.
- Seek information on specific issues: Members can inquire about government policies, programs, resource allocation, performance of departments, specific cases, and public concerns.
- Facilitate public discourse: Starred questions provide a platform for public debate on important issues, allowing members to raise concerns and seek clarification.
3. How does the process of asking and answering a starred question work?
- Notice of Question: A member submits a written notice of the question to the parliamentary secretariat within a specified timeframe.
- Allocation to Minister: The secretariat allocates the question to the relevant minister responsible for the subject matter.
- Preparation of Answer: The minister, with their department’s assistance, prepares a written answer.
- Presentation of Answer: The minister presents the written answer in parliament during the question hour.
- Discussion and Debate: Members can then engage in discussion and debate on the question and the minister’s answer.
4. What are the benefits of using starred questions in parliamentary proceedings?
- Enhanced transparency and accountability: The government is obligated to provide written answers, promoting transparency and making its actions subject to public scrutiny.
- Empowered legislature: Starred questions give the legislature a powerful tool to scrutinize the executive and hold it accountable.
- Protection of public interests: Members can raise questions on behalf of their constituents, ensuring the government is responsive to public needs.
- Facilitated public discourse: Starred questions provide a platform for public debate on important issues, fostering informed public opinion.
5. What are some challenges and limitations of the starred question system?
- Limited scope: Starred questions are primarily focused on information seeking and accountability, not addressing complex policy issues or initiating legislative action.
- Time constraints: The time allocated for answering starred questions is often limited, restricting the depth and detail of answers.
- Ministerial discretion: Ministers have some discretion in answering, leading to evasive or incomplete responses.
- Lack of follow-up: There is often a lack of follow-up on answers, limiting their effectiveness in holding the government accountable.
6. How can the effectiveness of the starred question system be improved?
- Expanding scope: Include more complex policy issues and facilitate legislative action.
- Increasing time allocation: Allow for more comprehensive and detailed answers.
- Strengthening accountability mechanisms: Ensure accurate and complete answers and follow-up on issues raised.
- Promoting public awareness: Encourage greater participation and engagement.
7. Are starred questions used in all parliamentary systems?
Yes, starred questions are a common practice in many parliamentary systems around the world, though specific procedures and practices may vary.
8. What is the difference between a starred question and an unstarred question?
An unstarred question does not require a written answer and is typically answered orally by the minister during the question hour. Starred questions, on the other hand, require a written answer to be presented in parliament.
9. Can a member of parliament ask a starred question on behalf of another member?
Yes, a member can ask a starred question on behalf of another member, but this is typically done with the consent of the member whose name is to be mentioned in the question.
10. What happens if a minister fails to answer a starred question?
If a minister fails to answer a starred question within the stipulated timeframe, the member who asked the question can raise the matter in the parliament and seek an explanation from the minister.
Here are some multiple-choice questions (MCQs) about starred questions in parliamentary proceedings, with four options each:
1. What is the primary purpose of a starred question in parliamentary proceedings?
a) To introduce new legislation
b) To debate a specific policy issue
c) To hold the government accountable for its actions
d) To express personal opinions of members of parliament
Answer: c) To hold the government accountable for its actions
2. What distinguishes a starred question from an unstarred question?
a) Starred questions are asked in writing, while unstarred questions are asked orally.
b) Starred questions require a written answer, while unstarred questions do not.
c) Starred questions are asked by the opposition, while unstarred questions are asked by the government.
d) Starred questions are used for urgent matters, while unstarred questions are used for routine matters.
Answer: b) Starred questions require a written answer, while unstarred questions do not.
3. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using starred questions in parliamentary proceedings?
a) Increased transparency in government operations
b) Enhanced accountability of the executive branch
c) Improved public understanding of government policies
d) Reduced workload for government officials
Answer: d) Reduced workload for government officials
4. What is the typical process for answering a starred question in parliament?
a) The minister provides a verbal answer during the question hour.
b) The minister submits a written answer to the parliamentary secretariat.
c) The minister presents a written answer in parliament during the question hour.
d) The minister delegates the answer to a junior official.
Answer: c) The minister presents a written answer in parliament during the question hour.
5. Which of the following is a potential limitation of the starred question system?
a) The system is too complex and time-consuming.
b) Ministers can avoid answering difficult questions.
c) The system is only effective for addressing minor issues.
d) The system is not used in most parliamentary democracies.
Answer: b) Ministers can avoid answering difficult questions.
6. Which of the following is NOT a way to enhance the effectiveness of the starred question system?
a) Expanding the scope of questions to include more complex policy issues
b) Increasing the time allocated for answering questions
c) Reducing the number of questions allowed per member
d) Promoting public awareness of the system
Answer: c) Reducing the number of questions allowed per member
7. In which of the following countries is the starred question system NOT a common practice?
a) India
b) United Kingdom
c) Canada
d) United States
Answer: d) United States
8. What is the significance of the “star” designation in a starred question?
a) It indicates the question is of high importance and requires a written answer.
b) It indicates the question is a personal attack on a specific minister.
c) It indicates the question is related to a sensitive topic.
d) It indicates the question is likely to be debated at length.
Answer: a) It indicates the question is of high importance and requires a written answer.