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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on May 29, 2025

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The importance of the Deputy Speaker

For Preliminary Examination:  Current events of national and international significance

For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance

Context:

The position of the Deputy Speaker has been lying vacant for the last six years raising questions on constitutional adherence and democratic resilience. The position goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to parliamentary democracy

Read about:

Deputy Speaker

Parliamentary Committees

Key takeaways:

Vacancy of Deputy Speaker: A Constitutional and Democratic Concern

• The post of Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha has remained unfilled for over six years, raising serious concerns about constitutional compliance and the health of India’s parliamentary democracy.
• Far from being symbolic, this role is fundamental to the functioning of the legislature. The persistent vacancy necessitates a closer examination of key constitutional principles. India’s founding fathers chose the parliamentary form of governance to ensure meaningful representation of its citizens.
• This vision is undermined if institutional mechanisms do not operate effectively and seamlessly. Meaningful dialogue between the ruling party and the Opposition is essential for accountability and the preservation of democratic checks and balances.
• Allegations have surfaced that the present ruling party has deliberately withheld the Deputy Speaker’s position from the Opposition, contravening the spirit of power-sharing—an essential feature of any thriving parliamentary democracy.
• It's worth noting that constitutional conventions, though unwritten, often carry the force of law when statutory provisions are silent.

The Importance of the Deputy Speaker’s Role

• The Deputy Speaker is far more than just a backup for the Speaker; he or she ensures legislative continuity and presides over significant parliamentary activities, including debates, the scrutiny of private member’s bills, and the Budget Committee.
• The office is established under Article 93 of the Constitution, which employs the phrase “as soon as” in reference to electing both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker—indicating urgency, not discretion.
• Article 94 also underlines that the Deputy Speaker holds office until resignation, removal, or disqualification, reinforcing the role’s continuity.
• Traditionally, while the Speaker is chosen from the ruling party, the Deputy Speaker’s post is informally offered to the Opposition as a goodwill gesture, fostering cooperation between both sides of the aisle and facilitating smoother parliamentary functioning.

Implications of a Prolonged Vacancy

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