Topics Covered: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha:
Context:
Congress has renewed its campaign seeking the Deputy Speaker’s position in the Lok Sabha.
- The Lok Sabha has not had a Deputy Speaker for the last 15 months. Instead, a panel of MPs has been assisting the Speaker.
About Deputy Speaker:
Article 93 of the Constitution provides for the election of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
- The constitutional office of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is more symbolic of parliamentary democracy than some real authority.
- There is no need to resign from their original party though as a Deputy Speaker, they have to remain impartial.
Roles and functions:
They act as the presiding officer in case of leave or absence caused by death or illness of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Election:
Usually, the Deputy Speaker is elected in the first meeting of the Lok Sabha after the General elections from amongst the members of the Lok Sabha.
- It is by convention that position of Deputy Speaker is offered to opposition party in India.
Tenure and removal:
- They hold office until either they cease to be a member of the Lok Sabha or they resign.
- They can be removed from office by a resolution passed in the Lok Sabha by an effective majority of its members.
InstaFact:
There is a constitution-mandated panel of 10 members to preside over the proceedings of the Lok Sabha in the absence of Speaker.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Constitutional provisions related to the office of Deputy Speaker.
- Roles and functions.
- Appointment and election.
- Does he need to resign from his party after being elected?
- Tenure and removal.
Mains Link:
The constitutional office of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is more symbolic of parliamentary democracy than some real authority. Discuss.
Sources: the Hindu.
