The Union Legislature ; The Union Parliament : Functions of the Speaker

Functions of the speaker

Business of the house

• Speaker presides over the meetings of the house. All speeches and remarks are addressed to the speaker. He allots time for discussion
• Speaker interprets the rules of procedure of the house. His/Her decision in all parliamentary matters is final
• All bills passed by the house are signed by him/her before they are sent to the Rajya Sabha or to the president for his assent. 
• Puts the issues to vote and announces the results but does not vote unless there is a situaiton of tie. 
• Decides whether a bill is a money bill or not. 

Administrative Functions

• Speaker receives all petitions and documents in the house.
• Communicates the decisions of the house to the concerned authorities. 
• Regulates the admission of visitors and press correspondents to the galleries of the house. 

Disciplinary Functions

• Maintains order in the house. If a member becomes unruly, he may order them to withdraw may suspend a member if he / she disregards the authority of the chair. 
• In case of grave disorder, he can adjourn the house. 
• If a member uses indecent or unparliamentary words, speaker may order such words to be excluded from the proceedings of the house. 
• Decides whether a member is disqualified under anti-defection law.

Parliamentary Committees

• Speaker is the ex-officio chairman of some of the committees of the house, such as the business advisory committee and the rules committee. 
• Appoints chairmen of all the committee of the house.
• Directs all chairmen in their working and procedures to be followed. 

Miscellaneous Functions

• The speaker presides over the joint sessions of both the houses of parliament
• In consultation with the chairman of the rajya sabha, he nominates personnel for parliamentary delegations to various countries
• He presides over the conference of presiding officers of legislative bodies in India