PRO-TEM SPEAKER (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The 18th Lok Sabha is set to commence its inaugural session, with anticipation surrounding the election of the new Speaker amidst the NDA coalition's recent electoral success. In the interim, a pro-tem Speaker will oversee the swearing-in of newly elected Members of Parliament.

Pro-Tem Speaker

• Definition: It is a temporary presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, appointed to carry out specific duties until the regular Speaker is elected.
• Meaning: The term 'pro-tem' is derived from Latin, meaning 'for the time being' or 'temporarily'.
• Constitutional Mention: The Constitution does not explicitly mention the post of pro-tem Speaker.
• Appointment by: When the Speaker's post is vacant before a new Lok Sabha is formed, the President appoints a Member of the House as Speaker pro tem, as per the handbook.

oUntil the election of the new Speaker, a pro-tem Speaker is appointed to perform essential duties temporarily.

• Election of the New Speaker: In the new Lok Sabha, the Speaker is elected by a simple majority vote among the members.
• Role and Duties: As the Presiding Officer of the Lok Sabha, the Speaker is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day proceedings and maintaining order within the house.

oPrimary Duty: The pro-tem Speaker's main responsibility is to administer oaths to the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs), as mandated by Article 99 of the Constitution.

• Article 94: It states that the Speaker remains in office until immediately before the first meeting of the new House of the People after a dissolution.