Oppn slams decision to scrap Question Hour and Private Members' Bills

A major controversy has erupted over the Rajya Sabha's decision to dispense with Question Hour and Private Members' Bills to accommodate a discussion on the working of the Home Ministry.

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

NEW DELHI: Opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), have strongly objected to this move, arguing that it undermines essential parliamentary mechanisms crucial for maintaining accountability and legislative participation.

The removal of Question Hour has particularly drawn criticism, as it is the only forum where members can directly question the Government and receive immediate responses. Opposition leaders argue that this session is vital for transparency, as it allows representatives to seek clarifications, raise pressing national issues, and hold ministers accountable for Government actions. Eliminating this platform, they say, curtails the ability of elected representatives to engage in direct dialogue with the ruling establishment.