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Context: The pro-tem Speaker of Lok Sabha plays a crucial role in administering the oath of office to newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) at the beginning of a new Lok Sabha session.

Who is the pro-tem Speaker?

• The pro-tem Speaker is a temporary position appointed for the interim period between the dissolution of the previous Lok Sabha and the election of a new Speaker for the new Lok Sabha.
• His role is vital because it ensures the smooth functioning of parliamentary proceedings, particularly the swearing-in of newly elected MPs.

Role of the Pro-tem Speaker

• Temporary Appointment: The term "pro-tem" stands for "for the time being". The pro-tem Speaker is appointed to manage the essential functions of the Speaker until a regular Speaker is elected.
• Primary Duty: The main responsibility of the pro-tem Speaker is to administer the oath or affirmation to newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) before they can take their seats in the Lok Sabha. This duty is mandated by Article 99 of the Indian Constitution.
• Conducting Initial Proceedings: The pro-tem Speaker presides over the first session of the newly elected Lok Sabha until the election of the regular Speaker. This includes convening the House, administering oaths to MPs, and overseeing any preliminary proceedings necessary for the functioning of the Lok Sabha.

Appointment of the Pro-tem Speaker

• Criteria: The pro-tem Speaker is generally the seniormost member of the Lok Sabha in terms of continuous years of membership. This seniority ensures that the pro-tem Speaker has experience and familiarity with parliamentary procedures.
• Identification: After the general elections, the Government of India prepares a list of the seniormost Lok Sabha members.
• Approval and Appointment: The list is submitted to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs or the Prime Minister for approval. Upon approval, the President of India appoints the pro-tem Speaker from this list.
• Swearing-in Ceremony: The President administers the oath to the pro-tem Speaker at the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's House). Additionally, the President appoints three other elected members of the Lok Sabha to assist in administering oaths to the newly elected MPs.
• Oath Administration: The pro-tem Speaker, with the assistance of the three members appointed by the President, administers the oath or affirmation to the MPs in the Lok Sabha.

Conclusion

• The pro-tem Speaker of the Lok Sabha is a temporary position established to facilitate the commencement of parliamentary proceedings after general elections. By administering oaths to MPs and overseeing initial sessions, the pro-tem Speaker ensures the smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha until a regular Speaker is elected. This role is crucial in upholding the constitutional process of parliamentary democracy in India.

Source:

Indian Express

Firstpost

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