Arohi Publications
Based on Subhash Kashyap’s Work
1. Question Hour (प्रश्नकाल)
Time: First hour of a sitting (11 AM–12 Noon).
Purpose: To ask questions from ministers and hold the government accountable.
Types:
Starred (requires oral answer)
Unstarred (written answer)
Short notice questions (urgent matters)
Significance: Known as “lifeline of parliamentary democracy”
2. Zero Hour (शून्यकाल)
Time: Immediately after Question Hour.
Not in Rules of Procedure, but a convention since 1962.
Purpose: Raise urgent issues without prior notice.
Example: Used for issues like corruption charges, farmer suicides, etc.
3. Calling Attention Motion (ध्यानाकर्षण प्रस्ताव)
Introduced by: A member, with prior notice.
Purpose: Draw attention of minister towards urgent public issue.
Unique to India: Blend of question and discussion.
4. Adjournment Motion (स्थगन प्रस्ताव)
Purpose: To discuss a matter of urgent public importance by suspending normal business.
Needs support of 50 members.
Consequences: Censure of government.
Rarely admitted.
Example: Used during Bofors scandal, coal scam discussions.
5. No-Confidence Motion (अविश्वास प्रस्ताव)
Article: Not in Constitution, but allowed under Rules of Procedure.
Purpose: To test if the Council of Ministers still enjoys majority in Lok Sabha.
Needs support of 50 MPs to admit.
If passed → PM and Cabinet must resign.
Example: 1999 – Vajpayee govt fell by 1 vote.
6. Censure Motion (निंदा प्रस्ताव)
Purpose: To express strong disapproval of a specific policy or action of the government.
Effect: Does not require resignation but is politically serious.
Can be moved in both Houses.
7. Privilege Motion (विशेषाधिकार हनन प्रस्ताव)
Used for: Breach of parliamentary privileges (e.g., misinformation, disrespect).
Can be moved by any member.
Examined by Privileges Committee.
Example: Minister accused of misleading House.
8. Point of Order (बिंदु व्यवस्था)
Raised during proceedings to enforce rules or object to violation of procedure.
No debate allowed.
9. Half-an-Hour Discussion (आधा घंटे की चर्चा)
Purpose: To seek detailed information on matters already answered during Question Hour.
Three days’ notice required.
10. Short Duration Discussion (Rule 193) (अल्पकालिक चर्चा)
Purpose: To discuss urgent public matters without voting.
Also known as: Two-hour discussion.
11. Motion of Thanks (धन्यवाद प्रस्ताव)
On President’s Address at the beginning of first session.
Must be passed to reflect House’s confidence in government.
Amendments can show dissent.
12. Cut Motions (कटौती प्रस्ताव)
During discussion on Budget demands.
Types:
Policy Cut: To disapprove policy
Economy Cut: To reduce amount
Token Cut: Rs. 1 reduction to show grievance
Rarely passed but used to criticize.
13. Guillotine (गिलोटिन)
Meaning: Speaker applies “guillotine” to pass budget grants without discussion when time is short.
Used during Budget Session.
14. Whip (व्हिप)
Issued by political parties to ensure attendance and voting discipline.
Types:
One-line (informative),
Two-line (compulsory attendance),
Three-line (compulsory voting)
Violation → Disqualification under Anti-Defection Law.
15. Quorum (कोरम)
Minimum presence required to conduct business.
10% of total strength of the House.
If not met → House adjourned.
16. Lapse of Bills (विधेयक की समाप्ति)
Lok Sabha dissolution → Pending bills lapse (except in RS or joint committees)
Money Bills lapse
Constitutional Amendment Bills do not lapse
17. Lame Duck Session
लंगड़ा बत्तख सत्र
Last session before LS dissolution
18. Floor Test
फ्लोर टेस्ट
Vote of majority in House
19.Budget Session बजट सत्र
First session of the year (Feb–May)
20. Question of Privilege
विशेषाधिकार का प्रश्न
Raised when member’s privilege is violated
