Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
3. The Speaker has to remain neutral and act independently of political morality and pressure. How can we guarantee the Speaker’s impartiality? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of having non-partisan speaker and suggest steps to ensure his/her neutrality.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Mention the role of speaker as envisaged by the constitution – their roles and responsibility.
Body:
Write about how over the recent year’s speakers have acted in political manner with respect to discharge of their constitutional duties. Cite examples from the parliament and state legislatures and bring out the impact of partisan conduct of speakers.
Suggest reforms to ensure the speaker remains independent, impartial and performs his duty according to ideals guided by the constitution and not any political affiliations.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
