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By Saurav Yadav
WHO IS A DEPUTY SPEAKER OF LOK SABHA?
The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by its members and presides over the House’s proceedings in the absence of the Speaker. This role is crucial for maintaining order and ensuring the legislative process runs smoothly. Historically, the Deputy Speaker was referred to as the Deputy President until 1947. The election of the Deputy Speaker occurs soon after the formation of a new Lok Sabha. The Deputy Speaker’s responsibilities include moderating debates, making rulings on procedural issues, and ensuring adherence to parliamentary rules. This position ensures continuity and stability in the functioning of the Lok Sabha.
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) recently rejected the Opposition’s demand to appoint a Deputy Speaker from their ranks in exchange for supporting the NDA’s Speaker candidate. Consequently, Om Birla, the NDA nominee, was elected as Speaker by a voice vote. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi highlighted that the convention typically reserves the Deputy Speaker’s position for the Opposition, which the NDA has not adhered to. The post of Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker has been vacant since 2019, drawing significant attention as the Opposition continues to push for their candidate. The delay in filling this position has become a focal point in parliamentary discussions, reflecting the ongoing tussle between the ruling party and the Opposition over maintaining traditional parliamentary roles and conventions.
WHY THE OPPOSITION WANTS DEPUTY SPEAKER POST?
The Opposition is pushing for the Deputy Speaker post based on a long-standing “parliamentary tradition.” This tradition dictates that if the Speaker is chosen from the ruling party, the Deputy Speaker should come from the Opposition. Congress leader Sachin Pilot and MP KL Sharma emphasized that adhering to this convention is vital for maintaining a healthy democracy. The practice ensures balanced representation and checks and balances within the parliamentary system, fostering cooperation and inclusivity between the ruling party and the Opposition. By securing the Deputy Speaker position, the Opposition aims to uphold this democratic tradition and ensure fair representation in the parliamentary proceedings.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari supported the Opposition’s claim to the Deputy Speaker post, stating that they protested in a democratic manner when parliamentary traditions were disregarded. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi also expressed hope that the NDA government would appoint a Deputy Speaker to help reduce the workload of the newly elected Speaker, Om Birla. Both leaders underscored the importance of following parliamentary traditions and ensuring balanced representation within the Lok Sabha. This tradition helps maintain a healthy democracy by fostering cooperation between the ruling party and the Opposition.
IMPORTANCE OF THE DEPUTY SPEAKER’S POST
The role of the Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha is crucial for several reasons:
- Acting as Speaker in Absence: When the Speaker is unavailable, the Deputy Speaker steps in to perform all the duties of the Speaker. Given that the Lok Sabha sits for about seven months a year, with each session lasting around seven hours, it is impractical for the Speaker to be present throughout all sessions. The Deputy Speaker ensures the smooth functioning of the House during these times. Additionally, if the Speaker’s position becomes vacant, the Deputy Speaker temporarily takes over these responsibilities.
- Independent Authority: While presiding over the House, the Deputy Speaker holds the same powers as the Speaker and is not subordinate. The Deputy Speaker’s role is independent, meaning they are accountable only to the House and not to the Speaker. This independence is crucial for maintaining the integrity and balance of power within parliamentary proceedings.
- Chairing Committees: If the Deputy Speaker is a member of any Parliamentary Committee, they are automatically appointed as the Chairman of that Committee. This role further enhances their influence and responsibility in legislative matters.
- Participation in Debates: Unlike the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker can actively participate in debates and vote on issues before the House when the Speaker is presiding. However, when the Deputy Speaker is chairing a session, they can only vote in case of a tie. This ability to engage in debates ensures that the Deputy Speaker remains an active and contributing member of the House.
- Order of Precedence: The Deputy Speaker occupies a high rank in the Indian government’s order of precedence, sharing the 10th position with the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Union Ministers of State, and members of the Planning Commission. This ranking reflects the significant stature and importance of the position within the parliamentary system.
In summary, the Deputy Speaker plays a vital role in maintaining the efficiency and balance of the Lok Sabha’s operations. They provide continuity in leadership during the Speaker’s absence, ensure fair and independent oversight of parliamentary proceedings, and contribute actively to legislative discussions and decisions. The position’s high rank in government precedence underscores its importance in the Indian parliamentary system.
ELECTION OF THE DEPUTY SPEAKER OF LOK SABHA
- Procedure:
- The procedure for electing the Deputy Speaker is similar to that of electing the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
- The Speaker of the Lok Sabha sets the date for the election of the Deputy Speaker.
- Governing Provisions:
- The election is governed by the provisions of Article 93 of the Indian Constitution.
- Notification:
- Members of the Lok Sabha are informed about the date of the election through an official Bulletin.
- The form of the motion for choosing the Deputy Speaker is the same as for electing the Speaker.
- Term of Office:
- The Deputy Speaker holds office from the date of their election until the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
- The Deputy Speaker is eligible for re-election.
This process ensures that the Deputy Speaker is chosen in a manner consistent with the principles and procedures established for the Speaker, maintaining the integrity and order of parliamentary proceedings.
Conclusion
The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is a pivotal figure in India’s parliamentary system, elected by the members of the Lok Sabha to preside over its proceedings in the absence of the Speaker. This role, historically known as the Deputy President until 1947, is essential for maintaining order and continuity during the legislative process. The Deputy Speaker’s responsibilities include moderating debates, making procedural rulings, and ensuring adherence to parliamentary rules, thereby ensuring the smooth functioning of the House.
The recent political developments have brought attention to the Deputy Speaker’s post, which has been vacant since 2019. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) rejected the Opposition’s demand to appoint a Deputy Speaker from their ranks, leading to the election of Om Birla as the Speaker by a voice vote. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi emphasized the convention of reserving the Deputy Speaker’s position for the Opposition, a practice aimed at fostering balanced representation and checks and balances within the parliamentary system.
The importance of the Deputy Speaker’s post is underscored by several key aspects:
- Acting as Speaker: The Deputy Speaker steps in for the Speaker during long parliamentary sessions and in case of the Speaker’s absence or vacancy.
- Independent Authority: The Deputy Speaker wields the same powers as the Speaker when presiding over the House and is accountable only to the House, not the Speaker.
- Chairing Committees: The Deputy Speaker automatically becomes the Chairman of any Parliamentary Committee they are a part of, enhancing their legislative influence.
- Participation in Debates: Unlike the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker can participate in debates and vote on issues when the Speaker is presiding.
- Order of Precedence: The Deputy Speaker holds a high rank in the government’s order of precedence, reflecting the position’s significance.
The election process for the Deputy Speaker, governed by Article 93 of the Indian Constitution, is similar to that of the Speaker, ensuring a consistent and principled approach. The Deputy Speaker holds office until the dissolution of the Lok Sabha and is eligible for re-election, providing stability and continuity in parliamentary leadership.
In summary, the Deputy Speaker’s role is crucial for the effective and balanced operation of the Lok Sabha. The ongoing political contention over this position highlights its importance in maintaining democratic traditions and ensuring fair representation within India’s parliamentary system.
FAQ ON THE DEPUTY SPEAKER OF LOK SABHA
1. Who is the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha?
The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by its members and presides over the House’s proceedings in the absence of the Speaker. Historically, the Deputy Speaker was referred to as the Deputy President until 1947.
2. What are the main responsibilities of the Deputy Speaker?
The Deputy Speaker moderates debates, makes rulings on procedural issues, and ensures adherence to parliamentary rules. The role is crucial for maintaining order and continuity in the functioning of the Lok Sabha.
3. Why has the position of Deputy Speaker been vacant since 2019?
The position has remained vacant due to political disagreements. Recently, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) rejected the Opposition’s demand to appoint a Deputy Speaker from their ranks, despite a longstanding tradition of reserving the post for the Opposition.
4. Why does the Opposition want the Deputy Speaker post?
The Opposition cites a “parliamentary tradition” which dictates that if the Speaker is from the ruling party, the Deputy Speaker should come from the Opposition. This tradition ensures balanced representation and fosters cooperation and inclusivity in the parliamentary system.
5. What is the significance of the Deputy Speaker’s post?
The Deputy Speaker ensures the smooth functioning of the House during the Speaker’s absence, holds independent authority, chairs committees, participates in debates, and holds a high rank in the government’s order of precedence. This role is essential for maintaining the efficiency and balance of the Lok Sabha’s operations.
6. How is the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha elected?
The election procedure for the Deputy Speaker is similar to that of the Speaker. The Speaker sets the date for the election, and members are informed through an official Bulletin. The election is governed by Article 93 of the Indian Constitution, and the Deputy Speaker holds office until the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, with eligibility for re-election.
7. What happens if the Speaker’s position becomes vacant?
If the Speaker’s position becomes vacant, the Deputy Speaker temporarily takes over the responsibilities, ensuring continuity in the House’s leadership.
8. Can the Deputy Speaker participate in debates and vote?
Yes, the Deputy Speaker can participate in debates and vote on issues when the Speaker is presiding. However, when the Deputy Speaker is chairing a session, they can only vote in case of a tie.
9. What is the order of precedence for the Deputy Speaker?
The Deputy Speaker shares the 10th position in the Indian government’s order of precedence with the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Union Ministers of State, and members of the Planning Commission.
