How does the system of Question Hour and Zero Hour empower the opposition in the Lok Sabha?

Question Hour — The first hour of every working day of the Lok Sabha is reserved for questions. The right of members to ask questions from the Government is known as interpellation.

1. All questions are addressed to the Chair, and if admitted, the Government is bound to answer them.
2. Members can ask starred questions, unstarred questions and short notice questions.
3. This keeps the functioning of the Government under scrutiny.

Zero Hour — The Zero Hour begins at 12 noon, immediately after Question Hour, and continues till the lunch break.

1. During Zero Hour, members can raise matters without prior notice or permission.
2. It enables urgent matters of public importance to be discussed immediately.

How this empowers the Opposition: The Question Hour and Zero Hour enable the Opposition to question the Government, seek information, raise urgent public issues and hold the Government accountable for its actions.