Speaker of the Lok Sabha

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the presiding officer and the highest authority of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament of India.

The speaker is elected generally in the first meeting of the Lok Sabha following general elections. Serving for a term of five years, the speaker chosen from sitting members of the Lok Sabha.

Powers and Functions of the Speaker

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha conducts the business in house.

He decides whether a bill is a money bill or not.

He maintains discipline and decorum in the house.

He can punish a member for unruly behavior by suspending them.

He also permits the moving of various kinds of motions and resolutions such as a motion of no confidence, motion of adjournment, motion of censure and calling attention notice as per the rules.

The Speaker decides on the agenda to be taken up for discussion during the meeting. 

Appointer : Members of Lok Sabha

Term Length : During the life of the Lok Sabha (five years maximum)

Inaugural Holder : Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar (1952–1956)

Formation : 15 May 1952

Salary : 3.5 lakh rupees per month

Removal of Speaker

Speaker can be removed by the Lok Sabha by a resolution passed by an effective majority (>50% of total strength excluding vacancies) of the house as per Articles 94 and 96.

The Speaker is also removed on being disqualified for being Lok Sabha member under sections 7 and 8 of Representation of the People Act, 1951.

This would arise out of speaker’s wrong certification of a bill as money bill inconsistent with the definition given in Articles 110 of the constitution.

List of Lok Sabha Speakers (195-2021)