Half-an-hour discussion
Topic: Parliamentary Procedure, Committees and Privileges · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 5 "Legislature"
Meaning
A half-an-hour discussion is a short debate about a recent answer to a question. It is used when that answer was unclear or left out key facts, so the matter needs more explanation. Under Rule 55 of the Lok Sabha rules, it is held in the last half hour of a sitting (a day's meeting of the House), on up to three sittings a week. It lets members follow up on a question after Question Hour (usually the first hour of the sitting, when ministers answer members' questions) has ended.
Example
Suppose a minister gives a vague reply on delays in a rural housing scheme. A member who is not satisfied can give notice for a half-an-hour discussion. The minister must then explain the matter more fully at the end of a later sitting.
Don't confuse with
- Short duration discussion: this is a longer "two-hour discussion" on any urgent public matter. It does not have to arise from an answer to a question.
- Supplementary question: this is an extra question asked on the spot during Question Hour. A half-an-hour discussion is a separate debate held later.
Related concepts
- Question Hour
- Starred question
- Unstarred question
- Short notice question
- Zero Hour
- Special mention
- Short duration discussion
- Calling attention motion