Final answer:
Rule 377 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha is a provision that allows MPs to raise matters not categorized as points of order or covered by any other rule, subject to written notice and the Speaker's consent. It accentuates the inclusive nature of the parliamentary process, enabling any member to question policies irrespective of their committee affiliations. Option 1 is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rule 377 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha allows members to raise matters which are not points of order and which cannot be raised under any other existing rule. This provides members the opportunity to bring up various issues for discussion that may not fall into the predefined categories of parliamentary business. The provision in Rule 377 is pivotal as it grants legislators the freedom to voice concerns and matters that require attention, outside the purview of specialized committees or existing protocols.
Furthermore, Rule 377 stipulates that any member who wishes to raise a matter must give notice in writing to the concerned authority. This notice is a formal request to discuss a particular issue in the Lok Sabha, and it must receive consent from the Speaker before the matter can be taken up for discussion. This process ensures an organized and systematic approach to discussing and addressing issues within the parliamentary framework.
A significant aspect of parliamentary procedure is the ability of any legislator to ask questions related to any policy area, even if they are not on the relevant committee. This inclusivity empowers members to engage with policy issues of interest, contributing to a robust system of checks and balances. Questions posed by members do not require consent from fellow legislators, serving as a powerful tool for minority parties to instigate inquiries and scrutinize issues in the absence of cooperative avenues such as committee hearings.