The “Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha” plays an important role in the functioning of the Indian Parliament. After a general election, the President of India appoints a senior member to act as the Pro Tem Speaker. This person has the crucial job of overseeing the first meeting of the newly elected Lok Sabha, where members select the official Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Without the Pro Tem Speaker, this important process cannot take place.
The Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha is not a permanent position. They only serve temporarily, stepping in until a permanent Speaker is elected. Despite the temporary nature of the role, the Pro Tem Speaker ensures that parliamentary work begins smoothly and helps set the stage for the Lok Sabha’s regular activities. This makes them a key figure in India’s democratic process.
What is the Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha A Simple Guide

The “Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha” is a temporary figure in India’s Parliament. This role is filled after a general election, just before the permanent Speaker of the Lok Sabha is chosen. The main job of the Pro Tem Speaker is to manage the first meeting of the newly elected members of the Lok Sabha. This meeting is crucial because it involves the selection of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
The Pro Tem Speaker holds the position for only a short time. Their job is to oversee the swearing-in of newly elected MPs and supervise the voting process for electing the permanent Speaker. The Pro Tem Speaker is usually a senior member of the Lok Sabha and is appointed by the President of India. This helps in ensuring that the Parliament functions smoothly from the start.
How Does the Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha Help in the Election Process
The Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha has a very important job in the initial stages of a new Lok Sabha. This person is in charge of making sure that the election of the permanent Speaker happens in a fair and smooth manner. The process begins when the President of India appoints the Pro Tem Speaker to oversee the first meeting of the Lok Sabha.
During the first session, the Pro Tem Speaker ensures that all MPs take their oath of office. Afterward, the Pro Tem Speaker also supervises the election of the new Speaker. If more than one candidate is proposed, the Pro Tem Speaker is responsible for conducting the voting process. This is a very important role as it helps set the stage for the Lok Sabha’s regular activities.
The Important Duties of the Pro Tem Speaker in Lok Sabha Sessions

The Pro Tem Speaker may have a temporary role, but they perform several key duties in the Lok Sabha. Their most important task is to conduct the first meeting after an election. This includes administering the oath of office to all newly elected MPs. The Pro Tem Speaker also plays an essential role in maintaining order during this meeting.
Another key responsibility is overseeing the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha. The Pro Tem Speaker makes sure that this process is carried out smoothly, without any disruptions. Additionally, they may also help in resolving any issues related to parliamentary procedures during their short term.
Who Can Be Chosen as the Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha
Not just anyone can be appointed as the Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha. The President of India chooses this position from among the senior members of the Lok Sabha. This is usually someone who has served as an MP for several terms and has a deep understanding of parliamentary processes.
Typically, the Pro Tem Speaker is chosen based on their experience and knowledge of parliamentary rules. They must also be someone who has the trust and respect of both the ruling and opposition parties. By appointing a senior member, the President ensures that the Pro Tem Speaker can handle the responsibilities smoothly and fairly.
The History and Significance of the Pro Tem Speaker in Indian Parliament
The role of the Pro Tem Speaker has been part of the Lok Sabha since its formation in 1952. Over the years, this position has played a crucial role in ensuring the proper functioning of the Parliament, especially during the initial stages of a new session.
Historically, the Pro Tem Speaker has been an important figure in helping set the tone for the Lok Sabha’s activities. By managing the election of the permanent Speaker, the Pro Tem Speaker contributes to the smooth start of each Lok Sabha session. This role has helped in maintaining the balance between the ruling party and the opposition, ensuring that the democratic process continues without interruption.
When Does the Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha Take Charge
The Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha only comes into play after a general election when the new Lok Sabha has been formed. The President of India appoints this person, usually a senior member of the Lok Sabha, just before the first meeting of the newly elected MPs. The Pro Tem Speaker’s term lasts only until the permanent Speaker is chosen, which is typically during the first sitting.
At this point, the Pro Tem Speaker steps in to manage the first session. Their job includes swearing in MPs and overseeing the election of the permanent Speaker and Deputy Speaker. This process helps get the Parliament working and ensures that the elected representatives can begin their official duties.
How Does the Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha Ensure Smooth Parliamentary Functioning
- Overseeing the first meeting: The Pro Tem Speaker ensures that all newly elected MPs are sworn in and that the Lok Sabha begins its work without delay.
- Managing the election process: They supervise the election of the permanent Speaker and Deputy Speaker, which is essential for smooth functioning.
- Maintaining order: The Pro Tem Speaker ensures that the first meeting proceeds without disruptions and maintains the decorum of the house.
- Addressing parliamentary procedures: They help set the tone for how the Lok Sabha will function by following all necessary rules and procedures.
What Happens After the Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha Completes Their Role
Once the permanent Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected, the role of the Pro Tem Speaker comes to an end. The Pro Tem Speaker’s term is very short, lasting only a few days or weeks, depending on when the first session is held after the election. After the election of the Speaker, the Pro Tem Speaker’s duties are complete, and they return to their regular duties as an MP.
The elected Speaker then takes over the responsibility of managing the Lok Sabha and handling all the essential parliamentary functions. While the Pro Tem Speaker has a limited role, their job is critical to getting the Lok Sabha started in an orderly manner.
The Difference Between the Pro Tem Speaker and the Permanent Speaker of Lok Sabha

The Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha serves a temporary role and is appointed just after an election. Their job is to ensure that the first meeting of the new Lok Sabha runs smoothly and that the election of the permanent Speaker happens without any issues. The permanent Speaker, on the other hand, holds office for the full term of the Lok Sabha, which can last up to five years.
While the Pro Tem Speaker has a limited and temporary role, the permanent Speaker has a much broader responsibility. The permanent Speaker is in charge of managing the daily activities of the Lok Sabha and ensuring that parliamentary procedures are followed throughout the term.
Conclusion
The Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha plays an essential but temporary role in India’s Parliament. This person ensures that the first meeting of the newly elected Lok Sabha members happens smoothly. The Pro Tem Speaker helps administer the oath to MPs and oversees the election of the permanent Speaker. Without the Pro Tem Speaker, the new session of Parliament would not be able to begin properly.
While the Pro Tem Speaker only serves for a short time, their duties are very important in maintaining the order and flow of parliamentary activities. They make sure that everything is in place for the permanent Speaker to take over and lead the Lok Sabha throughout its term. This role is crucial in upholding the democratic process and ensuring that the Parliament functions effectively.
FAQs
Q: What is the role of the Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha?
A: The Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha temporarily manages the first meeting of the newly elected members and oversees the election of the permanent Speaker.
Q: How long does the Pro Tem Speaker serve?
A: The Pro Tem Speaker serves only for a short time, until the permanent Speaker is elected, which can be just a few days or weeks.
Q: Who appoints the Pro Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha?
A: The President of India appoints the Pro Tem Speaker after a general election.
Q: What happens after the Pro Tem Speaker’s term ends?
A: After the election of the permanent Speaker, the Pro Tem Speaker’s term ends, and they return to their regular duties as a Member of Parliament.
Q: Can anyone be chosen as the Pro Tem Speaker?
A: No, the Pro Tem Speaker is usually a senior and experienced member of the Lok Sabha, chosen by the President of India.