Starred vs Unstarred Questions in Parliament, Key Differences

Basis

Starred Questions

Unstarred Questions

Meaning

Starred Questions are questions asked by MPs that require an oral answer from the concerned minister during Question Hour in Parliament. These questions are generally related to important public matters that need immediate clarification from the government.

Unstarred Questions are questions asked by MPs that require a written answer from the minister. These questions are mainly used to obtain detailed facts, reports, statistics, and official information from the government.

Symbol

A Starred Question is identified by an asterisk (*) mark placed before the question number.

An Unstarred Question does not contain any asterisk mark.

Type of Reply

The minister gives an oral reply in the House, allowing direct discussion on the issue.

The minister submits a written reply, which is laid on the table of the House.

Supplementary Questions

MPs can ask supplementary questions after the initial reply to seek more clarification or additional information.

MPs are not allowed to ask supplementary questions after the written reply is submitted.

Discussion in Parliament

These questions often lead to short discussions and debates in Parliament because members can interact directly with ministers.

No discussion takes place because the reply is submitted only in written form.

Purpose

Mainly used to raise urgent and important public issues requiring immediate government explanation.

Mainly used for obtaining detailed information, data, statistics, and reports from ministries and departments.

Interaction Level

There is direct interaction between MPs and ministers during Question Hour.

There is no direct interaction between MPs and ministers.

Nature of Issues Raised

Generally related to important national, political, economic, or social matters that need public attention.

Usually related to administrative details, schemes, budgets, statistics, and departmental functioning.

Public Attention

These questions receive greater media coverage and public attention because ministers answer them orally in Parliament.

These questions receive comparatively less public attention as replies are written.

Transparency

Helps improve transparency through direct questioning of ministers in Parliament.

Helps maintain transparency by providing detailed written records and official data.

Accountability

Ensures immediate accountability of the government before Parliament and the public.

Ensures accountability by making ministries provide factual written information.

Official Record

Oral answers and discussions become part of parliamentary proceedings and records.

Written replies become part of official parliamentary documents and records.

Importance in Democracy

Strengthens parliamentary democracy by encouraging live debate and ministerial responsibility.

Strengthens democratic oversight by providing authentic and detailed government information.

Example

Questions related to inflation, national security, unemployment, or major government policies.

Questions related to census data, scheme expenditure, recruitment details, and official reports.