Describe the procedure of election’ powers and position of the Speaker of a State Legislative Assembly in about 200 words.

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What are the functions of the Speaker of Vidhan Sabha?

Election of the Speaker of Legislature Assembly: The members of the newly elected Legislative Assembly elect the Speaker from amongst themselves. The Speaker is the most important person of the Assembly. He presides over the meetings of the Assembly and is responsible for conducting the business of the House smoothly.

Term of Office: The term of office of the Speaker is connected with the tenure of the Legislative Assembly. Even if the Legislative Assembly is dissolved, the Speaker remains in his office till the first meeting of the Legislative Assembly. He may resign if he so desires.

Removal of the Speaker: The Speaker may be removed by the Legislative Assembly by absolute majority. Such a resolution will require at least 14 days, notice. When such a motion against the Speaker is under consideration in the House, he will preside over it.

Powers and Functions of the Speaker of Legislative Assembly:

1. The Speaker presides over the House and conducts its proceedings.

2. He safeguards the privileges of the members and the House.

3. The motions are admitted by him for discussion.

4. He maintains discipline in the House.

5. He may punish the members for breach of discipline. He may expel them from the House and may even suspend them for sometime.

6. Topics are put by him before the House for discussion.

7. He asks the members to vote as and when necessary and announces the results.

8. He has the right of casting a vote in case of a tie.

9. He is authorized to certify Money Bills.

10. He sends the bills forward i.e., to the Governor or to the Legislative Council as the need be, after being passed by the House.

Position of the Speaker: The office of the Speaker is one of honour, dignity and authority. He presides over the House which is the pivot of all political activities. He symbolizes the House and its authority. In the end we can say that the Speaker is the most important person in the State Legislative Assembly and his office is one of dignity, honour and authority.

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