The commencement of the Lok Sabha session on June 24 marks a significant event in India’s parliamentary calendar. Here’s a rundown of what to expect during this session:
- Oath-Taking and Speaker Election: Newly elected members of the 18th Lok Sabha will take their oaths on June 24. Subsequently, on June 26, the election for the post of Lok Sabha Speaker will be held. President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of both Houses on June 27.
- Controversy Over Pro Tem Speaker: The appointment of Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro tem Speaker has stirred controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the decision. Kiren Rijiju, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, defended Mahtab’s eligibility based on his seven uninterrupted terms as a Lok Sabha member.
- Pro Tem Speaker’s Role: On June 24, President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath to Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro tem Speaker. Mahtab will then convene the Lok Sabha session and oversee the proceedings until the election of the Speaker on June 26.
- Administration of Oaths: Following Mahtab’s oath, members will observe a moment of silence. Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh will present the list of elected members, after which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take his oath as a member of the House.
- Panel of Chairpersons: The pro tem Speaker will administer oaths to a panel of chairpersons appointed by the President to assist in House proceedings. This includes representatives from various political parties.
- Council of Ministers Oath: The Council of Ministers will then be administered their oaths as Lok Sabha members over the next two days, with members from different states taking their oaths in alphabetical order.
- Upcoming Events: The Lok Sabha Speaker election is scheduled for June 26, followed by the Prime Minister’s introduction of his Council of Ministers. President Droupadi Murmu will address the joint sitting of Parliament on June 27, initiating the debate on the Motion of Thanks afterward.
This session sets the stage for crucial parliamentary activities, including the budget presentation scheduled for July 22 after a brief recess. Stay tuned for updates and insights into India’s legislative proceedings