LOKSABHA
The Loksabha is popularly known as the House of the People or the Lower House. It is
Directly Elected by the People of India. At present, the Maximum strength of Loksabha is 552.
Out of the Total members, 530 members represent the States, 20 members Represent of Union
Territories and the remaining two members belonging to Anglo-Indian Community are to be
nominated by the President. The Normal term of Loksabha is 5 years. Articles 93 to 97 of the
Constitution deal with the office of the Speaker of Loksabha. Each House of Parliament in
India has its own Presiding officer. The members of the Loksabha Elect the Speaker and the
Deputy speaker from among themselves. The Speaker act as Head of the Loksabha, Guardian
of members in the House. At present, the Speaker receives a monthly salary and allowances of
Rs. 1,40,000/-.
Powers and Functions of the Speaker: The Constitution of India provides powers to the
Speaker in discharging his functions properly and efficiently. Besides, the Rules of Procedure
and Conduct of Business in Parliament (1950) Specifies the following diversified Powers of
the Speaker;
1. The Speaker Presides over the meetings of the Loksabha. He conducts the meetings
with Dignity, Order and Efficiency. He determines the Agenda of the meetings with the
Prior consultation of the Leader of the House.
2. He allots time to the members to express their Views on the Bills, Conducts voting if
necessary and announces the Results.
3. He sends bills to the Rajyasabha after they are approved by the Loksabha. On the
Receipt of the bills from the Rajyasabha, he certifies and Sends them to the President
of India for his consent.
4. He acts as the Representatives of the Loksabha. He sends Messages and Directives to
all members of the Loksabha.
5. He takes steps for safeguarding the Rights of the Members. He gives Equal importance
to both the Ruling Party and Opposition Party.
6. He facilitates the members to express their Views on the Thanks- giving motion on
President‟s speech.
7. He constitutes various Committees and appoints their Chairpersons. He acts as the Ex-
officio chairman of some committees such as Rules committee, Business affairs
committee etc.
8. He Presides over the Joint Session of the Parliament.
9. He acts as a member of Commonwealth speaker’s forum, Chairman of Indian
Parliamentary group and Head of the Loksabha secretariat.
10. He Receives the electroral certificates of the new members, take decisions on the
member‟s resignations, allots seats to the press, visitors etc. allots seats to the members
and members resignations etc.
11. He supervises the activities of Marshals and other Personnel in the premises of the
House.
12. He Exercise his Casting Vote in case of a Tie over a Bill.
13.He Conducts the Election of the Deputy speaker in case of a Vacancy.
It becomes Office of the speaker is a crucial task to exercise the powers and functions. He
must be also patience, controlling capacity, clean and honesty character to the parliamentary
practices.
0 Comments