Why is Zero Hour Becoming the Talk of Parliament This Session?

In the Indian Parliament, the Zero Hour is a specific time during legislative sessions during which Members of Parliament (MPs) can address topics of urgent public significance.

Although not legally established in parliamentary rules, Zero Hour is an informal method used by MPs.

During this half-hour session, each MP is normally given three minutes to express their concern, allowing for a wide range of issues to be covered in a little amount of time.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh gives zero hour notice in Rajya Sabha to discuss the issue of bus marshals and appointment of civil defence volunteers. In his notice, he mentions about the sudden termination of 11,000 bus marshals, deployed for the safety of women.

Key Features of Zero Hour

Origin: The concept was introduced in India in the early 1960s, evolving as a response to the need to address urgent issues that could not wait for formal debate. It has since become a crucial part of parliamentary proceedings.

Timing: Zero Hour typically begins at 12 noon. It allows MPs to bring up issues that require immediate attention from the government.

Procedure: MPs must submit a notice before 10 AM on the day of the session to raise a matter during Zero Hour. However, the Speaker or Chairman has the discretion to allow or decline these requests.

Significant Zero Hour-related actions have taken place during the current Winter Session of Parliament, which started on November 25, 2024, and is expected to end on December 20, 2024.

Key Importance of Zero Hour

Zero Hour is a crucial part of India’s parliamentary proceedings, enabling MPs to bring urgent issues to the government’s attention.

1. Zero Hour provides MPs a designated time to handle issues that are not on the day’s agenda but require immediate attention. This encompasses natural catastrophes, public health crises, and other pressing issues facing society.
2. Zero Hour is a crucial tool for holding the government accountable by allowing MPs to scrutinize its policies and actions, thereby promoting transparency in governance and enabling MPs to demand explanations.
3. Zero Hour’s informal nature encourages MPs to participate across party lines, allowing them to voice constituent concerns directly, promoting an inclusive legislative process for discussing pressing local and national issues.

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