Question

Explain the functions of Speaker of Lok Sabba

Answer 1

The powers and functions of the Legislative Assembly may be examined under the following heads.
1. Legislative Powers:
The main function of the Legislative Assembly is to make laws. But its power to make laws is confined to the State List and the Concurrent List. However, the Parliament has also jurisdiction over the Concurrent List.
Where a law made by the state legislature on a matter listed in the Concurrent List conflicts with law made by the Parliament on the same matter, the latter will prevail, if the state law has not received the assent of the President.
Normally the Parliament has no jurisdiction over the State List. But during Emergency the Parliament can make laws on the State List. Even in normal times the Parliament shall be competent to make laws on the State List if the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), by two-third majority adopts a resolution urging the Parliament to make laws, in national interest, on subjects listed in the State List.

2. Financial Powers:
The Money Bill can be introduced only in the Legislative Assembly. It cannot be introduced in the Legislative Council. The Council can detain a Money Bill at the maximum for 14 days. The Legislative Assembly is required to pass the demand for grants (authorizing expenditures) and tax-raising proposals.
Without authorization by the Legislative Assembly, no money can be spent from the State Treasury. In financial matters, the Legislative Assembly is clearly more powerful than the Legislative Council.

3. Control over Executive:
The Ministers are collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly and not to the Legislative Council. They will be forced to resign if a no-confidence motion is passed by the Legislative Assembly. Further, if the Money Bill is defeated in the Legislative Assembly the Ministers resign.
The members of the Assembly can control the government by other means like asking questions and moving cut motions and adjournment motions. The Assembly has thus better control over the government than the Council.

4. Constituent Power:
In the United States of America, both the Congress and the state legislatures can propose amendments of the constitution. But in India it is only the Parliament which can propose amendment. The state legislatures cannot propose amendments. However, some amendments, relating to federal provisions, require ratification by at least one-half of state legislatures.

5. Electoral Functions:
(i) The elected members of the Legislative Assembly form part of the Electoral College which elects the President of India. This means that the members of Legislative Council have no role in the election of the President of India, (ii) The members of Rajya Sabha representing the state are elected by the Legislative Assembly, (iii) In case of a State having a bicameral legislature, one-third of the members of the Legislative Council are elected by the Legislative Assembly, (iv) The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker are also elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly.
6. Miscellaneous Functions:
(a) The Legislative Assembly can punish anybody for its contempt. (b) It selects some of the members of University Senate (s). (c) It considers the reports of the Public Service Commission and the Accountant General, (d) It appoints different Committees of the House, (e) It sends delegations to the Union Government to press the demands of the state.

Answer 2

Answer:

The functions of the speaker of Lok Sabha are:

1. Presides over meetings of the Lok Sabha as well as the joint seating of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Also, has the power to suspend a meeting if numbers are less.

2. Determines the agenda and order of the business along with the leader of the house.

3. Determines amd interprets the various rules and procedures of the Lok Sabha.

4. Maintains the order and decorum of the House.

5. Certifies a money bill.

6. Has the power to determine the disqualification of a member of the house.

7. Represents the Lok Sabha and protects the rights of its members. Also connects between the President and the House.

8. Heads several committees of the Parliament.

9. Has the right of casting a vote in case of a tie.