Virendra Kumar, seven-time MP from Tikamgarh in Madhya Pradesh, has been chosen as the pro-tem speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha.
Pro-tem is a Latin phrase which means “for the time being”. The Pro tem Speaker is a temporary speaker appointed for a limited period of time.
The need of pro-tem speaker: The speaker of the Lok Sabha/legislative assembly vacates the office immediately before the first meeting of the newly elected house.
President/governor appoints the pro-tem speaker to preside over the sittings of the newly elected house. Usually, the senior most member of the house is made the pro-tem speaker.
Duties of pro tem speaker:
The Pro-tem Speaker presides over the first sitting of the Lok Sabha, administers the oath of office to the newly elected MPs.
To conduct the vote for the speaker and deputy speaker.
On the election of new Speaker, the office of the pro tem speaker ceases to exist.
