Rajya Sabha extends sitting hours, changes timing of Question Hour
Distilled Policy Brief
- From the Winter Session starting 24 Nov, the Rajya Sabha will sit from 11 am to 6 pm, extending its daily sitting by one hour.
- Question Hour has been moved to 12 pm–1 pm, shifting it from the first hour of the sitting as per the Chairman’s direction under the Rules of Procedure.
- Only 250 of the up‑to‑ten daily questions per MP are selected by ballot, with 230 answered in writing and 20 answered orally, the latter permitting two supplementary questions.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Change in timing of Question Hour and extension of Rajya Sabha sitting hours (Winter Session, 24 Nov).
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Evaluate how procedural reforms in the Rajya Sabha aim to strengthen parliamentary accountability and curb disruptions affecting Question Hour.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
From the Winter Session starting 24 November, the Chairman of Rajya Sabha directed a change in the schedule of Question Hour. Which of the following statements is correct about the new arrangement?
- [A] Question Hour will be held from 12 pm to 1 pm, and 250 questions are selected by ballot each day.
- [B] Question Hour will be held from 11 am to 12 pm, and 200 questions are selected by ballot each day.
- [C] Question Hour will be held from 1 pm to 2 pm, and 300 questions are selected by ballot each day.
- [D] Question Hour will be held from 12 pm to 1 pm, but all ten questions submitted by each MP are answered orally.
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
The Chairman shifted Question Hour to 12 pm–1 pm and, as per the Rules, only 250 questions are chosen by ballot daily (230 answered in writing, 20 orally). The other options misstate the timing or the number/type of questions.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.