Short Duration Discussion : Notice, Conditions of Admissibility, Discussion

• Short Duration Discussion is one of the important parliamentary devices available to members to draw the attention of the Government to matters of urgent public importance is to raise a discussion of short duration without a formal motion or vote thereon.

Notice of a Short Duration Discussion

• Notice to raise a short duration discussion is to be given in writing, addressed to the Secretary-General, specifying clearly and precisely the matter to be raised. 

• The notice is required to be accompanied by an explanatory note stating reasons for raising the discussion and supported by signatures of at least two other members. 

• The Chairman decides the admissibility of the notice. 

• If an early opportunity is otherwise available for discussion of the matter, the Chairman may refuse to admit the notice. 

• Notice for a short duration discussion after admission is notified in Bulletin Part-II. 

• Names of the members who have tabled notices of the short duration discussion on the same subject including the names of supporting members are shown in the Bulletin.

Date of Discussion

• The Business Advisory Committee normally selects the subject for discussion and also allocates the time therefor. 

• The Chairman may allow such time not exceeding two and a half hours for holding such discussion.

Procedure for Raising the Discussion

• After a notice is admitted and a date fixed for its discussion, the item is included in the list of business for that date. 

• The first member or in his absence the second one and so on, in whose name the discussion stands, makes a short statement. 

• Thereafter, members are called to speak party-wise. At the end of the discussion, the Minister concerned replies and the discussion is concluded.

• There is no formal motion before the House nor is there any voting. The member who raises the discussion has no right of reply.

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