Pro-Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha, Appointment, Oath, Functions

Pro-Tem Speaker

Pro-Tem is a Latin term meaning “for the time being.” According to Article 95(1), a pro-tem speaker is appointed for a brief period to preside over the proceedings of the Lower House of Parliament (Lok Sabha) following the General Elections. The Pro-Tem Speaker is an important topic of Indian Polity which is an important subject in the UPSC Syllabus. Students can also go for the UPSC Mock Test to get more accuracy in their preparations.

Who is Pro-Tem Speaker?

The Legislative Section of Parliament creates a list of the most seasoned Lok Sabha members following a general election and the establishment of a new administration. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs receives the list and submits it together with a letter asking the President to approve the appointment of the interim Speaker.

The Pro-tem Speaker presides over the first meeting following the election during which the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are chosen by the members of the Parliament. The Deputy Speaker serves in the Speaker’s absence, and in the event of their absence, a committee of six members chosen by the Speaker will take over as Speaker in accordance with their order of seniority.

Pro-Tem Speaker Appointment

The President/Governor appoints the pro-tem speaker to preside over meetings of the freshly elected house. The most senior member of the house is typically the pro-tem speaker.

Pro-Tem speakers play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition and the establishment of a new legislative body. Their neutrality and experience are essential for upholding decorum and conducting the initial proceedings efficiently.

Pro-Tem Speaker Role and Responsibilities

The first Lok Sabha session is presided over by the Pro-tem Speaker, who also swears in the newly elected MPs. The pro tem speaker’s responsibility is to oversee the speaker and deputy speaker elections. The pro tem speaker’s position is abolished with the election of a new Speaker. Additionally, he conducts the floor test.

• Presiding over the first session of a newly elected legislative assembly.
• Administering the oath of office to newly elected members.
• Guiding the proceedings until a permanent speaker is elected.
• Maintaining order and decorum in the house during the initial session.
• May have additional duties depending on the specific rules and procedures of the legislative body.

Pro-Tem Speaker UPSC

The pro-tem speaker shares all of the Speaker’s rights and privileges. Therefore, the experts argue that in order to avoid tarnishing the reputation of democracy, there needs to be more clarity regarding the choice of the pro-tem speaker.  A speaker who is chosen on a temporary basis is known as a pro tem Speaker. Just prior to the first meeting of the newly elected house, the Lok Sabha’s or legislative assembly’s Speaker steps down, forcing the appointment of a pro-tem speaker. Students can read all the details related to UPSC by visiting the official website of StudyIQ UPSC Online Coaching.

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