Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

Q. Why is this in News?

Opposition 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.

Q. What are provisions in Constitution for 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.

Q. What are their 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. In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker discharges the functions. A member from the Panel of Chairmen presides over the House in the absence of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.

Q. How are they elected?

• 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.

Q. What about 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.