Context:
The Prime Minister of India has vowed to govern through consensus as the 18th Lok Sabha commenced its first session. Both the ruling and the opposition parties have reiterated their commitment to protecting the Constitution, a key theme in the 2024 general election campaign. Despite their claims of seeking consensus and loyalty to the Constitution, there has been no sign of agreement on any major issues of governance or politics.
Relevance:
GS2- Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government.
Mains Question:
Parliament should give room for extended debates and disagreements. Discuss in the context of the recently constituted 18th Lok Sabha. (10 Marks, 150 Words).
The First Session:
- The first session was marked by hostility from the campaign, with both sides clashing over the selection of the pro tem Speaker and preparing to face off over the Speaker’s post.
- The Opposition has shown willingness to support the NDA’s candidate in exchange for the Deputy Speaker position, a role traditionally given to an Opposition member.
- In the 17th Lok Sabha, the position remained vacant, an unprecedented occurrence in Indian Parliament history.
Speaker Pro Tem:
- The Speaker Pro Tem is appointed by the President under Article 95(1) of the Constitution to temporarily perform the duties of the Speaker until a Speaker is elected. “Pro-tem” derives from Latin, meaning “for the time being.”
- The pro-tem speaker oversees the initial sittings of the newly elected house, typically being the most senior member. Once a new Speaker is elected by the House, the role of Speaker Pro Tem ceases.
- The duties of the pro tem speaker include presiding over the first session of the Lok Sabha, administering the oath of office to newly elected MPs, conducting the election for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, and overseeing floor tests.
Deputy Speaker:
- The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha serves as the second-in-command presiding officer of the lower house of the Indian Parliament.
- In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker assumes the role of presiding over the Lok Sabha, responsible for maintaining order, conducting business, and ensuring the smooth functioning of legislative processes.
- The Deputy Speaker is elected by the Lok Sabha from among its members, but only after the Speaker has been elected. The date of the Deputy Speaker’s election is determined by the Speaker.
- Upon assuming office, the Deputy Speaker does not take a separate oath or affirmation beyond their oath as a Member of Parliament.
- The tenure of the Deputy Speaker lasts throughout the term of the Lok Sabha. However, they must vacate office if they cease to be a Lok Sabha member, resign by submitting a letter to the Speaker, or are removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all current Lok Sabha members.
- When the office of the Deputy Speaker becomes vacant, a new member is elected by the Lok Sabha to fill the position.
- Removal of the Deputy Speaker requires a resolution passed by an Effective Majority of the Lok Sabha membership, following a motion with a 14-day advance notice to the Speaker.
- The roles and functions of the Deputy Speaker include performing the Speaker’s duties during vacancies, presiding over Lok Sabha sessions in the Speaker’s absence, and overseeing joint sittings of Parliament when the Speaker is not available
Call for Consensus:
- Prime Minister’s call for consensus and parliamentary debates can signify a healthy democracy, but this promise must be backed by concrete actions.
- Union Minister Rajnath Singh, the government’s key interlocutor, has reached out to Opposition leaders, and such engagements should become more frequent.
- While consensus may be unachievable or unnecessary in some cases, demonstrating a commitment to power-sharing within the ruling alliance and with the Opposition could enhance the government’s political authority and legitimacy.
- Beyond the immediate concern of government stability, where the BJP is 32 seats short of a majority, coalition-building should be seen as essential for India’s progress and prosperity.
- The first session of the new Lok Sabha should set a precedent for extended debates, allowing for disagreements and seeking common ground across parties.
Conclusion:
During the last two terms, the proceedings of the House and Committees lacked the above mentioned qualities. As the leader of the ruling coalition, the BJP should reaffirm its commitment to parliamentary norms and substance, and the Opposition should respond constructively.
