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Introduction

Article 178 of the Constitution of India allows all states and union territories for the appointment of a speaker. Presiding Officers of state legislatures are fundamental in steering the direction of legislative proceedings, ensuring a balanced, orderly, and impartial environment that facilitates democratic practices. They are entrusted with the duty of overseeing the conduct of members while abiding by the rules of the house.

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Role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in Maintaining Order

• Enforcing Rules and Procedures: Presiding officers play a decisive role in enforcing the rules and procedures diligently: In 2018, Karnataka assembly speaker showed remarkable skill in overseeing a high-stakes floor test, sticking to procedures.
• Maintaining Decorum: Ensuring the house runs smoothly while upholding the dignity of the house is crucial. Eg: In various instances, the Odisha assembly speaker has taken steps to maintain decorum by issuing advisories for members to adhere to the rules of the house.
• Control over Proceedings: They maintain control over proceedings, effectively managing discussions and debates. Eg: Tamil Nadu assembly speaker has displayed control over proceedings, ensuring that debates remain orderly and issues are discussed comprehensively.
• Preventing Disruptions: Presiding officers hold the responsibility of preventing disruptions and ensuring a smooth session. Eg: In the Madhya Pradesh assembly, various presiding officers over the years have employed mechanisms to curtail disruptions and maintain order.

Role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures ensuring Impartiality in Conducting Legislative Work

• Fair Allocation of Time: Presiding officers ensure fairness by allotting adequate time to different parties for discussions. Eg: In the Maharashtra assembly, time allocation for discussions has often been seen to be managed judiciously to accommodate diverse viewpoints.
• Neutrality: Maintaining neutrality and not favouring any side is vital in their role. Eg: During contentious debates, speakers in the Bihar assembly have showcased neutrality, offering equal opportunities to all parties to express their views.
• Guidance on Legislative Matters: They offer impartial guidance on legislative matters and disputes. Eg: In the Uttar Pradesh assembly, speakers have historically provided rulings that abide by legislative norms, setting a precedent for unbiased governance.
• Allowing Diverse Opinions: Facilitating a platform where diverse opinions are expressed forms an essential part of their role. Eg: In Kerala, presiding officers have encouraged members to voice diverse perspectives, fostering a rich and inclusive discussion environment.

Role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in Facilitating Best Democratic Practices

• Promoting Inclusive Discussions: Ensuring that discussions are inclusive and represent a variety of perspectives. Eg: In assemblies like West Bengal, efforts have been made to incorporate varied perspectives, promoting inclusivity in debates.
• Encouraging Research-Based Discussions: Facilitating discussions grounded in thorough research to enhance the quality of debates. Eg: In Punjab assembly, initiatives to foster research-based discussions by encouraging legislators to delve deep into the subjects at hand.
• Training and Development: Facilitating training sessions for members to grasp parliamentary procedures better. Eg: Workshops and seminars have been arranged in various assemblies, including Rajasthan, to help members understand the nuances of legislative proceedings.
• Transparency: Enhancing transparency in the working of the legislative assembly. Eg: Many assemblies, including Himachal Pradesh, have adopted measures to increase transparency through live telecasts and documentation of sessions, thus inviting public scrutiny and awareness.

Conclusion

Thus, presiding officers stand as a pillar of democratic functionality, assuring that the legislative process is conducted with order, impartiality, and adherence to the best democratic practices. The endeavour should be to continue fortifying this role with greater responsibility and diligence to serve the evolving democratic norms and practices.

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