Why this matters now
The Speaker’s powers (money-bill certification, anti-defection, casting vote) and the presiding officers are tested in prelims and GS-2 — and debates on their independence are topical.
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
The Speaker is elected by the Lok Sabha from among its members and presides over it. Powers: maintaining order, deciding points of order, putting questions to vote (and a casting vote in a tie), certifying Money Bills (final), deciding disqualification under the anti-defection law, and chairing the Business Advisory Committee. The Speaker continues even after the House is dissolved, until the new House meets.
Other presiding officers
The Deputy Speaker presides in the Speaker’s absence. In the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman, assisted by a Deputy Chairman (elected by the House). States have a Speaker (Vidhan Sabha) and a Chairman (Vidhan Parishad).
Independence and debates
To ensure impartiality, the Speaker’s salary is charged on the Consolidated Fund and removal needs a special process. Debates persist over the Speaker’s partisanship (especially in anti-defection decisions and money-bill certification) — with suggestions for greater neutrality (e.g. resigning from the party).
UPSC angle
Know the Speaker (elected, money-bill certification final, anti-defection decisions, casting vote, continues till new House), Deputy Speaker, and the Rajya Sabha Chairman (the Vice-President, ex-officio).
Frequently asked questions
Who is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha?
The Speaker, elected by the Lok Sabha from among its members.
Who is the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
What are the key powers of the Speaker?
Maintaining order, certifying Money Bills, deciding anti-defection disqualifications and exercising a casting vote.
How is the Speaker’s impartiality protected?
Through a charged salary and a special removal process, though debates over partisanship persist.