The first hour of every sitting of the Lok Sabha is normally set apart for:

The first hour of every sitting of the Lok Sabha, and generally of the Rajya Sabha, is normally devoted to Question Hour, during which members ask questions and ministers answer them.

Purpose of Question Hour:

• It is one of the most important tools by which Parliament keeps the government accountable.
• Members can seek information on the working of ministries and point out problems.
• Ministers must reply on behalf of the government.

Kinds of questions:

• Starred questions: an oral answer is required, and supplementary questions may be asked.
• Unstarred questions: a written answer is given, and no supplementary questions can be asked.
• Short notice questions: these are asked on matters of urgent public importance at less than ten days' notice, and are answered orally.
• Questions to private members: a question may be addressed to a private member about a bill, resolution or other matter for which he is responsible.

Notice and limits:

• Members usually have to give at least ten days' notice of a question.
• There is a limit on the number of starred questions that can be listed for oral answer each day.

Suspension of Question Hour:

• The Speaker or Chairman may decide that Question Hour will not be held on a particular day, for example during a special session or on the day the budget is presented.
• Question Hour was suspended during the Monsoon Session of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to criticism.

Rules governing it:

Question Hour is regulated by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of each House, not by the Constitution itself.

Importance:

• It brings to light administrative lapses and helps citizens learn about government policies.
• Many important issues and scams have first come up during Question Hour.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Calling attention motions, budget discussions and private members' business take place at other times.