Zero Hour in the Assembly of Himachal Pradesh

Zero Hour formula to be implemented in Himachal Assembly, Kuldeep Singh Pathania declared ); After the introduction, there is a process (how SOPs should be written before it put to action)

A Zero Hour in Parliamentary Sessions: An Overview

Zero Hour is an Indian parliamentary practice; it has no mention in the rule book of Parliament and starts well after question hour.

The subject of concern-motion takes place after the Question Hour providing an opportunity to parliamentarian(s) raise some urgent issues.

Zero Hour can also be an avenue for raising of urgent matters with the consent of the Speaker

The government does not have to respond in a timely fashion to issues raised.

Zero Hour: Government & Opposition Perspective

• Government: Harshwardhan Chauhan raised concerns that the decision to introduce Zero Hour was taken without coordination with the government.
• Opposition: Jai Ram Thakur stood by Zero Hour with sense of clear rules.

Importance of SOPs

• The rules of business prescribe SOPs for the introduction of matters during Zero Hour
• The norms for Himachal’s Zero Hour are likely to be similar with Indian Parliament in the past.

Zero Hour Duration and Structure

• A few of its members have recommended that lawmakers allocate one hour for Zero Hour to enable some serious discussion on vital issues.