Virendra Kumar, a seven-time Member of Parliament (MP) from Tikamgarh in Madhya Pradesh, has been nominated as the pro-tem speaker for the 17th Lok Sabha. The term ‘pro-tem’ originates from the Latin phrase which translates to “for the time being”. This signifies that the Pro-tem Speaker’s role is temporary, lasting only for a specified period.
Understanding The Requirement For A Pro-Tem Speaker
The need for a pro-tem speaker arises when the existing speaker of the Lok Sabha or legislative assembly vacates the position right before the first meeting of the newly-elected house. To maintain the decorum and functionality of the house, the President or the Governor appoints a pro-tem speaker to preside over the proceedings.
The selection of the pro-tem speaker usually follows the convention of choosing the senior-most member of the house. This tradition realizes and respects the experience and knowledge that comes with years of service in the house.
Role and Responsibilities Of A Pro-Tem Speaker
The pro-tem speaker has multi-dimensional roles to play. Primarily, they preside over the first sitting of the Lok Sabha and administer the oath of office to the newly elected Members of Parliament.
Another key responsibility of the pro-tem speaker is to conduct the election for the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the house. It’s crucial for the pro-tem speaker to ensure that these elections are fair and transparent, adhering to the democratic principles of the house.
Once the new Speaker has been elected, the role of the pro-tem speaker ceases to exist.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name of the Pro-Tem Speaker | Virendra Kumar |
| Constituency of the Pro-Tem Speaker | Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh |
| Number of times elected as MP | Seven |
| Term of office | Temporary |
Functioning And Limitations Of A Pro-Tem Speaker
While the pro-tem speaker holds significant responsibilities, their functioning is limited to the initial session of the newly elected house and extends until the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker are elected. However, during this period, the pro-tem speaker plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth transition from an old to a newly elected house.
Meticulously administering the oath of office to new MPs, supervising the elections for Speaker and Deputy Speaker, and overseeing a peaceful handover of duties, the pro-tem speaker holds a transient yet highly impactful position in the Lok Sabha. Their position is limited in tenure but vast in influence, setting the tone for the functioning of the newly elected Lok Sabha.
