Who is the presiding officer of the lok sabha?

who is the presiding officer of the lok sabha?

The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha is known as the Speaker. The Speaker is the highest-ranking official and the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, which is the lower house of the Parliament of India. The Speaker is responsible for maintaining order in the house, conducting debates, and ensuring that parliamentary procedures are followed.

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha. The election takes place at the beginning of each new Parliament session or whenever there is a vacancy. The Speaker holds a neutral position and is expected to act impartially and fairly in the conduct of the proceedings.

The Speaker has important functions and powers within the Lok Sabha. Some of the key responsibilities of the Speaker include:

  1. Presiding over sessions: The Speaker presides over the sessions of the Lok Sabha and ensures that debates are conducted in an orderly manner. The Speaker has the authority to maintain decorum, grant permission for members to speak, and rule on points of order.

  2. Decision-making: The Speaker has the final decision-making authority on matters related to the interpretation and application of the rules of procedure. The Speaker’s rulings are binding on the members unless overturned by a majority of the members.

  3. Casting Vote: In case of a tie on any matter being voted upon, the Speaker exercises a casting vote to break the tie. This means that the Speaker can vote in favor or against a particular motion to bring about a decision.

  4. Representing the House: The Speaker represents the Lok Sabha in its relations with the President of India, the Rajya Sabha (Upper House), and the external authorities. The Speaker also represents the Lok Sabha in ceremonial functions and official visits.

  5. Committee Appointments: The Speaker appoints members to various parliamentary committees and presides over the meetings of the Business Advisory Committee, which decides the agenda and scheduling of the house.

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the house and upholding the rights and privileges of the members. The position requires high integrity, impartiality, and a deep understanding of parliamentary procedures.