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Most People Know Only 2 Types of Assembly Questions… But There Are 4
Legislative Assembly
Types of Questions & Parliamentary Procedures
Overview: Members of a Legislative Assembly can ask questions to Ministers to hold the government accountable. These questions are categorized based on urgency, notice period, and the nature of the reply required. The primary types are Starred, Unstarred, Short Notice, and Supplementary questions. Click any card to flip it and see a live Assembly scene.
Starred Question (SAQ)
Live Debate Mode
Oral Answer
- Answered orally by Minister
- Supplementary questions allowed
- Marked with * in business list
- Limited number per day
Notice Period: Minimum 10 days
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Starred Question Scene
Speaker: "Question Hour begins. Member from Constituency No. 42."
MLA: "Sir, why are the roads still broken after two years?"
Minister: "We are looking into it. Tender process is underway."
MLA: "Looking into it or looking away from it, Sir?"
MLA: "Sir, why are the roads still broken after two years?"
Minister: "We are looking into it. Tender process is underway."
MLA: "Looking into it or looking away from it, Sir?"
The House erupts in laughter and desk-banging!
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Unstarred Question (UDAQ)
Written Reply Mode
Written Answer
- Reply given in writing
- No supplementary questions allowed
- Published in Assembly records
- More questions admitted than Starred
Notice Period: Minimum 10 days
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Unstarred Question Scene
MLA: [Submits question 10 days ago]
Assembly Secretariat: "Received. Scheduled for reply."
Minister: [Prepares 5-page detailed written reply]
MLA: "Excellent. Now I have detailed reading material for the weekend."
Assembly Secretariat: "Received. Scheduled for reply."
Minister: [Prepares 5-page detailed written reply]
MLA: "Excellent. Now I have detailed reading material for the weekend."
Reply laid on the table. No drama, just data.
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Short Notice Question
Emergency Mode
Urgent Matter
- Requires Speaker's permission
- Concerned Minister must agree to answer
- For sudden public importance
- Usually admitted for oral answer
Notice Period: Less than 10 days
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Short Notice Question Scene
Breaking News: A major bridge has collapsed in the district!
MLA: [Rushes into the Assembly] "Sir, I seek leave for a Short Notice Question! This is urgent!"
Speaker: "Granted. Minister, please answer."
Minister: [Nervously adjusts microphone] "We are assessing the situation..."
MLA: [Rushes into the Assembly] "Sir, I seek leave for a Short Notice Question! This is urgent!"
Speaker: "Granted. Minister, please answer."
Minister: [Nervously adjusts microphone] "We are assessing the situation..."
Emergency mode activated. No 10-day wait here!
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Supplementary Question
Follow-up Mode
Follow-up
- Must arise from original answer
- Requires Speaker's permission
- Seeks clarifications
- Cannot introduce new topics
Notice Period: No prior notice required
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Supplementary Question Scene
Minister: "We have allocated fifty crore rupees for the project."
MLA: "Thank you, Sir. But where exactly is the money? Show us the expenditure!"
Minister: "Audit is in progress..."
MLA: "Sir, one more thing - is it progress or just process?"
MLA: "Thank you, Sir. But where exactly is the money? Show us the expenditure!"
Minister: "Audit is in progress..."
MLA: "Sir, one more thing - is it progress or just process?"
The follow-up strikes again! Never the "last" question.
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Test Your Knowledge
"A Minister answers verbally in the House, and Members ask follow-ups immediately. What type is this?"
Quick Comparison
| Type | Abbreviation | Answer Type | Notice Period | Supplementary Allowed? | Analogy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starred | SAQ | Oral | 10+ Days | Yes | Asking loudly in class |
| Unstarred | UDAQ | Written | 10+ Days | No | Sending email to teacher |
| Short Notice | - | Oral (Usually) | Less than 10 Days | Yes | Emergency question |
| Supplementary | - | Oral | None | N/A | Asking again after answer |
Note: Legislative Assemblies also use other parliamentary devices such as Zero Hour (raising urgent matters without prior notice) and Calling Attention (to call the attention of a Minister to a matter of urgent public importance). The rules for these are governed by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the respective Assembly.