Pro-tem Speaker | 13 Jun 2019

• 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.
  • He also administers the floor test.