Pro-tem is a Latin phrase that means “for the time being”. Under Article 95(1) After the General Elections, a pro-tem speaker is appointed for a limited period of time to oversee the work of the Lower House of Parliament (Lok Sabha). The UPSC Indian Polity and Governance Syllabus include Pro-tem Speaker which is described in this article.
Appointment
Pro-tem Speaker – Appointment
The pro-tem speaker is appointed by the President/Governor to preside over the newly elected house's sittings. The pro-tem speaker is usually the most senior member of the house.
Functions
Pro-tem Speaker – Functions
- The Pro-tem Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha's first session and administers the oath of office to newly elected Members of Parliament.
- To vote on the speaker and deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.
- The office of pro tem speaker is abolished when a new Speaker is elected.
- He's also in charge of the floor test.
Conclusion
Conclusion
A pro tem Speaker is a speaker who is appointed for a specific period of time. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha/legislative assembly vacates the post just before the first meeting of the newly elected house, necessitating the appointment of a pro-tem speaker.
FAQs
Q1: What is the role of the Pro-Tem Speaker?
Answer: The Pro-Tem Speaker is appointed temporarily to conduct the swearing-in of members and oversee the election of the new Speaker in the Lok Sabha.
Q2: Who appoints the Pro-Tem Speaker?
Answer: The President of India appoints the Pro-Tem Speaker from among the senior members of the Lok Sabha.
Q3: How long does a Pro-Tem Speaker serve?
Answer: The Pro-Tem Speaker holds office only until a permanent Speaker is elected.
Q4: What are the main functions of a Pro-Tem Speaker?
Answer: The primary function includes administering the oath of office to newly elected members and conducting the election for the Speaker.
Q5: Can a Pro-Tem Speaker vote in the election of the Speaker?
Answer: No, the Pro-Tem Speaker does not participate in the election of the Speaker.
MCQs
- Who appoints the Pro-Tem Speaker in India?
a) Prime Minister
b) Lok Sabha Speaker
c) President of India
d) Chief Justice of India
Answer: (c) See the Explanation
The President of India appoints the Pro-Tem Speaker from among the senior members of the Lok Sabha.
- What is the duration of the Pro-Tem Speaker's tenure?
a) Until the next general election
b) Until the Speaker is elected
c) For one year
d) For six months
Answer: (b) See the Explanation
The Pro-Tem Speaker serves until the permanent Speaker is elected.
- Which of the following is NOT a function of the Pro-Tem Speaker?
a) Administering the oath of office to newly elected members
b) Conducting the election of the Speaker
c) Casting vote in the Speaker’s election
d) Presiding over the first meeting of the Lok Sabha
Answer: (c) See the Explanation
The Pro-Tem Speaker does not cast a vote during the election of the Speaker.
- In which house of Parliament is the Pro-Tem Speaker appointed?
a) Rajya Sabha
b) Lok Sabha
c) Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
d) None of the above
Answer: (b) See the Explanation
The Pro-Tem Speaker is appointed for the Lok Sabha only.
- What is the first responsibility of the Pro-Tem Speaker?
a) To conduct the budget session
b) To swear in the President
c) To swear in the newly elected members of the Lok Sabha
d) To present the annual report
Answer: (c) See the Explanation
The Pro-Tem Speaker’s first duty is to administer the oath to the newly elected members of the Lok Sabha.
GS Mains Questions and Answers
Q1: Explain the constitutional provisions related to the Pro-Tem Speaker in India.
Answer: The Pro-Tem Speaker is not explicitly mentioned in the Indian Constitution but is an established convention. Appointed by the President, the Pro-Tem Speaker's primary role is to oversee the swearing-in of members and conduct the election of the new Speaker of the Lok Sabha. This ensures that the Parliament functions without delay after the general election. The appointment is a temporary measure until the election of the permanent Speaker. The Pro-Tem Speaker does not have any legislative powers, such as voting in the Speaker's election.
Q2: Discuss the significance of the Pro-Tem Speaker in the context of the Indian parliamentary system.
Answer: The role of the Pro-Tem Speaker is crucial in maintaining the smooth functioning of the Indian Parliament. Their primary responsibility is to swear in newly elected members and conduct the election of the permanent Speaker. Without a Pro-Tem Speaker, the Parliament would not be able to begin its proceedings after elections. This position ensures that the legislative process begins promptly and that the first session of Parliament post-election runs without any procedural delays, emphasizing the efficiency of the parliamentary system.
Q3: What are the limitations of the Pro-Tem Speaker’s role in the Indian parliamentary system?
Answer: The Pro-Tem Speaker has a limited role, being a temporary appointee. Their functions are confined to administering the oath to the newly elected members and overseeing the election of the permanent Speaker. They do not participate in legislative activities like voting or decision-making. This ensures that their position remains neutral, and they only perform the necessary procedural tasks until the permanent Speaker is elected. This role’s temporary nature underscores the transitional phase between elections and the formal establishment of parliamentary leadership.
Previous Year Questions on
Speaker pro tem
1. UPSC Civil Services Mains 2018
Question: Discuss the role and significance of the Pro-Tem Speaker in the Indian parliamentary system.
Answer: The Pro-Tem Speaker plays an essential role in the smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha, especially post-elections. Their primary responsibility is to administer the oath to newly elected members and facilitate the election of the permanent Speaker. This ensures that parliamentary proceedings begin without delay. The Pro-Tem Speaker has no legislative powers, such as voting in the election of the Speaker. Their appointment is a procedural necessity to ensure the continuity of parliamentary functions and to establish leadership within the Lok Sabha promptly.
2. UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2019
Question: Who appoints the Pro-Tem Speaker of the Lok Sabha in India?
a) The Prime Minister
b) The President
c) The Vice President
d) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Answer: The President of India appoints the Pro-Tem Speaker. This individual is typically a senior member of the Lok Sabha, and their main role is to administer the oath to the newly elected members and conduct the election of the Speaker.
Comments