Turmeric Man of Himachal Pradesh

For the first time, the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly introduced Zero Hour in its proceedings during the ongoing monsoon session, marking a significant shift in the state’s legislative practices. Zero Hour, an established convention in Indian parliamentary democracy, allows members to raise urgent public matters without prior notice. This practice, though not mentioned in the rulebooks, has been effectively utilized in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and now, it finds its place in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly.

What is Zero Hour?

Zero Hour is a parliamentary tactic used to address pressing public problems without the standard 10-day notice required for other discussions. Members can notify the Speaker on the day of the session, typically by 10 a.m., to raise issues of national importance. Despite being an unwritten convention, it has become an integral part of parliamentary proceedings. Over the years, presiding officers of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have introduced regulations to make the process more streamlined and efficient.

First, it provides a dedicated time slot for members to raise important matters of public interest. This structured period ensures that urgent issues can be discussed without disrupting other legislative business, particularly the Question Hour.

Additionally, it helps to streamline the assembly’s proceedings, as MLAs now have a clear platform to voice concerns without interrupting the formal business of the house.

Why was Zero Hour Introduced in Himachal Pradesh?

In the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Zero Hour now begins at 12:30 PM and lasts for 30 minutes, following the Question Hour, which runs from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Members are given the opportunity to raise matters of public concern during this period without disrupting other legislative business. Notably, ministers are not obliged to respond during Zero Hour, unlike in Question Hour, where they must address members' inquiries.

In legislative assemblies, Question Hour is vital for holding the government accountable, as members ask questions related to government policies and actions. However, disruptions often occur when opposition members attempt to raise urgent issues at the start of Question Hour, diverting attention from this crucial period.

To prevent these interruptions, Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania introduced Zero Hour in Himachal Pradesh. This dedicated half-hour period allows members to voice urgent public concerns without derailing the Question Hour. The introduction of Zero Hour also brings the state’s legislative practices in line with those of the Parliament, providing a more structured and organized approach to addressing public matters. Each member is given a minute, or slightly more, to bring up matters under the Point of Order, ensuring a smooth flow of discussions.

Why is it Called ‘Zero Hour’?

In parliamentary parlance, "Zero Hour" refers to the time gap between the end of Question Hour and the beginning of regular legislative business. The term is derived from its timing, as it typically begins around 12 noon, though its significance lies in offering a critical moment for members to raise important issues.

Origin of Zero Hour in India

Zero Hour, an Indian innovation, was first introduced in the early 1960s. It emerged as members of Parliament began raising urgent issues immediately after Question Hour. Over time, the practice became a recognized part of parliamentary proceedings, though it remains an informal convention rather than a codified rule. Rabi Ray, the ninth Speaker of the Lok Sabha, introduced reforms to regulate Zero Hour, optimizing its use for discussing matters of public importance.

Zero Hour in Parliamentary Proceedings

In the Lok Sabha, Zero Hour follows Question Hour, while in the Rajya Sabha, the order is reversed, with Zero Hour starting the day’s proceedings. Unlike Question Hour, where ministers are required to respond to questions, Zero Hour allows members to bring up issues without expecting immediate answers from ministers. This distinction makes Zero Hour a flexible tool for addressing urgent matters while ensuring the legislative process remains uninterrupted.

Conclusion

The introduction of Zero Hour in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly marks a significant step towards more efficient and organized legislative proceedings. By providing a structured period for raising urgent matters, it ensures that Question Hour is conducted without interruptions while giving members a platform to voice their concerns. This initiative aligns the state’s legislative practices more closely with those of the Parliament, enhancing the assembly’s overall effectiveness and accountability.