Correct Answer
(c) There is only one correct statement.
Explanation of the Correct Answer
Only Statement 3 is correct.
In Parliament, questions asked by Members are mainly of three types:
- Starred Questions
- Unstarred Questions
- Short Notice Questions
The key distinction is based on whether the answer is given orally or in writing.
- A starred question requires an oral answer in the House and allows supplementary questions.
- An unstarred question requires a written answer and does not allow supplementary questions.
Therefore:
- Statement 1 is incorrect.
- Statement 2 is incorrect.
- Statement 3 is correct.
Hence, there is only one correct statement.
Evaluation of the Statements
| Statement | Verdict | Explanation |
|---|
| 1. Unstarred questions are those to which a Member desires an oral answer in the House. | Incorrect | Unstarred questions require written answers, not oral answers. |
| 2. Starred questions are those to which a Member desires a written answer. | Incorrect | Starred questions require oral answers, not written answers. |
| 3. No supplementary question can be asked on an unstarred question. | Correct | Since unstarred questions are answered in writing, supplementary questions are not permitted. |
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
| Option | Verdict | Explanation |
|---|
| (a) All the three statements are correct | Incorrect | Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect. |
| (b) There are two correct statements, that include statement 2 | Incorrect | Statement 2 is incorrect. |
| (c) There is only one correct statement | Correct | Only Statement 3 is correct. |
| (d) There is no correct statement | Incorrect | Statement 3 is correct. |
Relevant Supplementary Information
Types of Questions in Parliament
| Type of Question | Nature of Answer | Supplementary Questions Allowed? | Identification |
|---|
| Starred Question | Oral answer | Yes | Marked with an asterisk/star |
| Unstarred Question | Written answer | No | Not marked with a star |
| Short Notice Question | Oral answer | Yes | Asked on matters of urgent public importance with shorter notice |
| Question to Private Member | Oral or written, depending on listing | Supplementaries may be allowed if oral | Addressed to a private member regarding a Bill, resolution or matter connected with House business |
Starred vs Unstarred Questions
| Basis | Starred Question | Unstarred Question |
|---|
| Answer type | Oral | Written |
| Supplementary question | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Purpose | To seek direct response and further clarification | To obtain detailed factual information |
| Time in House | Taken up during Question Hour | Written answer laid on the Table of the House |
| Marker | Asterisk/star | No asterisk/star |
| Basis | Starred Question | Unstarred Question |
|---|
| Meaning | Question for which oral answer is desired | Question for which written answer is desired |
| Symbol | Marked with an asterisk/star | No asterisk/star |
| Answer mode | Minister answers orally in the House | Written answer is laid on the Table of the House |
| Supplementary question | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Usefulness | Useful for direct accountability and follow-up | Useful for detailed facts, statistics and records |
| Time taken in House | Takes House time during Question Hour | Does not require oral discussion in Question Hour |
| Nature | Interactive | Non-interactive |
| Example use | Asking why a scheme failed in implementation | Asking district-wise expenditure under a scheme |
Key Takeaways from the Tables
| Key Point | Explanation |
|---|
| Starred means oral | A starred question is answered orally in the House. |
| Unstarred means written | An unstarred question receives a written answer. |
| Supplementaries follow oral answers | Since starred questions are oral, supplementary questions are allowed. |
| No supplementary on unstarred questions | Written answers do not permit follow-up questioning in the House. |
| Only Statement 3 is correct | Hence, option (c) is the correct answer. |
| Key Point | Explanation |
|---|
| Starred = Oral | A starred question receives an oral answer and allows supplementary questions. |
| Unstarred = Written | An unstarred question receives a written answer and does not allow supplementaries. |
| Supplementaries depend on oral answer | Supplementary questions are possible only where oral replies are given. |
| Short Notice Questions are urgent and oral | They deal with matters of urgent public importance and allow supplementaries. |
| Question Hour is a major accountability tool | It enables MPs to seek information and hold the executive answerable. |
Context and Current Relevance
- Parliamentary questions are key tools of legislative oversight and executive accountability.
- Starred questions allow real-time scrutiny through supplementary questions.
- Unstarred questions help Members obtain detailed official data and written information from the Government.
Table: Types of Questions in the Parliament of India
| Type of Question | Answer Given | Supplementary Questions Allowed? | Notice Requirement / Nature | Purpose |
|---|
| Starred Question | Oral answer in the House | Yes | Normal notice; marked with an asterisk/star | To get oral reply and allow follow-up questioning |
| Unstarred Question | Written answer | No | Normal notice; not marked with a star | To obtain detailed written information from the Government |
| Short Notice Question | Oral answer | Yes | Asked with shorter notice than ordinary questions | To raise urgent matters of public importance |
| Question to Private Member | Oral or written, depending on listing | Supplementaries may be allowed if answered orally | Addressed to a private member | Related to a Bill, resolution or matter for which the private member is responsible |
Table: How to Identify the Correct Answer in MCQs
| Statement Type | Correct Concept | Common Trap |
|---|
| “Starred questions require oral answers” | Correct | Remember: star means oral |
| “Starred questions require written answers” | Incorrect | This reverses the rule |
| “Unstarred questions require written answers” | Correct | Unstarred means written |
| “Unstarred questions require oral answers” | Incorrect | This reverses the rule |
| “Supplementary questions can be asked on starred questions” | Correct | Because the answer is oral |
| “Supplementary questions can be asked on unstarred questions” | Incorrect | Written answers do not permit supplementaries |
| “Short notice questions are oral” | Correct | They relate to urgent public importance |
| “Short notice questions allow supplementaries” | Correct | Because they are answered orally |
Table: Parliamentary Devices for Executive Accountability
| Device | Purpose | Nature |
|---|
| Question Hour | Members ask questions to ministers | Direct accountability mechanism |
| Starred Question | Oral answer with supplementaries | Interactive scrutiny |
| Unstarred Question | Written answer | Information-gathering tool |
| Short Notice Question | Urgent matter raised at short notice | Immediate accountability |
| Zero Hour | Raising urgent public matters without prior formal notice | Indian parliamentary innovation |
| Calling Attention Motion | Draws minister’s attention to urgent public matter | Minister gives statement |
| Half-an-Hour Discussion | Discussion on matters arising out of answers to questions | Clarifies incomplete or unsatisfactory answers |
| Adjournment Motion | Discusses urgent matter of public importance | Strong device, involves censure element |
| No-Confidence Motion | Tests confidence of Lok Sabha in Council of Ministers | Political accountability |