In this article you will learn about the Functions of the Speaker of Lok Sabha in Political Science.
Functions of the Speaker of Lok Sabha
The Speaker of Lok Sabha has several important functions, some of which are listed below:
Presiding over the House : The Speaker presides over the proceedings of the Lok Sabha and maintains order and decorum in the House. He/she also presides over the joint sitting of the two Houses.
Conducting the business of the House : The Speaker is responsible for conducting the business of the House in a fair and impartial manner and allows the members to introduce the bills or move the call attention and adjournment motions, recognises the members on the floor of the House, gives them time for speaking in the House, fixes time for the debates in the House, puts matters to vote, and announces the results. This includes deciding on the admissibility of questions, motions, and bills, and ensuring that the debates and discussions are conducted in a civil and orderly manner. He/she can warn the members against the use of unparliamentary language and can order the same to be expunged from the records.
Maintaining discipline in the House : The Speaker has the power to maintain discipline in the House and can punish Members of Parliament for unruly behaviour or for violating the rules of the House. If any member tries to disrupt the proceedings of the House, the Speaker has the power to warn him or can ask him to leave the House.
Decision on the validity of a Bill : The Speaker decides on the validity of a Bill passed by the Lok Sabha. If the Speaker certifies that a Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha, it is considered to have been passed by the House. If there arises a dispute regarding the question as to whether a bill is a Money Bill or not, the decision is made by the Speaker. The decision is final and it cannot be challenged.
Fixing the Agenda in the House : The Speaker along with the other members, committees of the House and the Prime Minister has the power to fix the agenda of the meetings of the House.
Allotment of time for debates and discussions : The Speaker has the power to allot time for debates and discussions on various issues in the Lok Sabha. The Speaker can also extend or curtail the time allotted for a debate or discussion, depending on the circumstances.
Appointment of various officials : The Speaker of Lok Sabha also has the power to appoint various officials of the House, such as the Secretary-General, the Marshal, and the Deputy Marshal.
Representation in international forums : The Speaker of Lok Sabha represents the Indian Parliament in various international forums and is responsible for maintaining good relations with other Parliaments around the world.
This article on Functions of the Speaker of Lok Sabha in Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.