New Delhi: BJP’s Kota MP Om Birla was re-elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. This election was prompted by opposition pressure after the NDA declined to offer the INDIA bloc the deputy speaker’s position.
Roles And Responsibilities Of Lok Sabha Speaker
- As Speaker, Birla assumes a pivotal role in overseeing the proceedings of the Lower House of Parliament. His responsibilities includes upholding parliamentary decorum, ensuring adherence to procedural rules, and adjudicating on matters of parliamentary privilege and member conduct. This includes determining speaking orders, managing debates, and safeguarding MPs’ rights.
- In addition to maintaining order, the Speaker wields significant authority in the legislative process. They have the power to certify Money Bills, decide on the admissibility of questions raised by members, and expunge remarks deemed unparliamentary.
- Furthermore, in the absence of sufficient numbers, the Speaker can decide on the passage of bills through voice votes.
- Another critical role of the Speaker involves enforcing the anti-defection law, which empowers them to disqualify MPs who defect from their party lines.
- Despite the Speaker’s influential role, their tenure is not immune from challenges. A motion of no-confidence can be initiated against them with a 14-day notice period, allowing MPs to express their loss of confidence or grievances regarding the Speaker’s conduct.
