Parliament, Ministers, Speaker - Pt. II

1. In the absence of Speaker who performs the duties of Speaker?

Deputy Speaker

2. Speaker and Deputy Speaker are appointed from amongst whom?

Members of Lok Sabha

3. What is the term of office of Speaker and Deputy Speaker?

Until a new Lok Sabha is elected

4. Can Speaker and Deputy Speaker cast vote?

They can only cast vote to remove a deadlock otherwise cannot vote

5. Who gives salary to Speaker and his Deputy?

Fixed by Parliament and charged on Consolidated Fund of India

6. How can Speaker and Deputy resign?

Speaker resigns by writing to Deputy and vice versa

7. What are the other names of Rajya Sabha?

Council of States/Second or Upper House of Parliament

8. How many members did Rajya Sabha have?

250 members. 238 (from states) + 12 (nominated by President from people having experience in Literature, Science, Art, and Social Service)

9. How can Rajya Sabha be dissolved?

It is a permanent body hence cannot be dissolved. 1/3rd of members retire after every two years and new members are elected. Each member is elected for 6yrs

10. What is the qualification of Rajya Sabha member?

He must be an Indian not below 30yrs and should not hold any office of profit

11. The powers of Rajya Sabha are mentioned in which articles?

Article 67, Article 249 and Article 312

12. Resolution for Legislation on state list subject originate in which house?

In Rajya Sabha only (Article

13. Who is the Ex Officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha?

Vice President. Unlike Speaker he is not a member of house and has no right to vote. He presides over the house as long he works as President. He can be removed from the post of Chairman if he resigns as Vice President.

14. What do you know about Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha?

He is elected from Rajya Sabha members. In absence of Chairman, Deputy presides. He vacates office when he ceases to be a member of house. He resigns by writing to Chairman. He can also be removed by passing a resolution in Rajya Sabha

15. What is the role of Speaker?

Following are them:

- Presides over meetings and proceedings of House and his decision is final

- Whether a bill is money bill or not is certified by him

- Ex Officio Chairman of India’s Parliamentary group

- Chairs business advisory committee, general purpose committee and rules committee

- Principal spokes person of Lok Sabha

- Maintain order and decorum of House

- Presides over joint sitting of two Houses of Parliament

- Decides disqualification of Lok Sabha members on ground of defection under tenth schedule

- Grants permission for a bill to be presented in Lok Sabha

- Forms Parliamentary committees

- Selects Chairman of Estimates Committee

16. What are the three types of ministers?

Following are them:

- Cabinet Ministers: They are the real policy makers. Their consent is necessary for important matters. Attend the meeting of cabinet

- Ministers of State: They hold independent charge or attached to cabinet. They are paid same salary as that of cabinet ministers

- Deputy Ministers: They do not hold separate charge and can’t attend cabinet meetings and are paid less salary

17. What are the powers of Prime Minister?

Following are them:

- Presides over meeting of COM

- Can call the meeting of cabinet at any time

- Allocates portfolios

- Can ask a minister to resign

- Can get any minister dismissed by President

- Assist President in appointment of high officials

- Summons and decides agenda of cabinet meeting

- Right to call any file from ministry

- Advice President regard to summoning and proroguing of sessions of Parliament

- Can participate in debates of Parliament and give answers to both Houses