PRO-TEM SPEAKER - POLITY

News: Mahtab takes oath as Pro-tem Speaker of 18th Lok Sabha

 

What's in the news?

       Recently, President Droupadi Murmu  administered oath to BJP member B. Mahtab as 'Speaker Pro-tem' of the newly-constituted 18th Lok Sabha.

 

Pro-tem Speaker:

       Pro-tem is a Latin phrase which translates to 'for the time being in English, and so the pro-tem speaker is a temporary speaker appointed for a limited period of time to conduct the work in Lok Sabha or in state legislatures.

       The Constitution does not expressly use the term ‘Pro-tem Speaker’.

 

Role of Pro-tem Speaker:

       A Pro-tem speaker is chosen for the conduct of the house when the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies have been elected and the vote for the speaker and deputy speaker has not taken place.

 

Appointment and Oath:

       The Speaker Pro-tem is appointed by the President of India/Governor.

       The President/Governor administers the oath of office to the pro-tem Speaker.

 

Convention:

       As per convention, a senior most member will be appointed as the pro tem speaker with the agreement of assembly members, who then carry on the activities until the permanent speaker is chosen.

 

Tenure:

       The office of the pro tem speaker ceases to exist after the new Speaker of the House is chosen.