G Butchaiah Chowdary Sworn-in as Pro-tem Speaker for AP Assembly; Know What is Pro-tem Speaker and its Resposibilities

On Friday, the newly elected MLAs took the oath of office, kicking off the inaugural session of the 16th Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. TDP MLA G Butchaiah Chowdary, acting as the Pro-tem Speaker presided over the assembly proceedings. A new Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be chosen during the session.

Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer administered the oath to MLA-elect Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary on June 20 in Durbar Hall of the Raj Bhavan. He was elected as the pro-tem speaker for the maiden assembly of the 16th Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

After reading the warrant of appointment issued by the Governor designating Mr. Butchaiah Chowdary as the Pro-tem Speaker, the Secretary General of the Andhra Pradesh State Legislature Secretariat, P.P.K. Ramacharyulu, administered an oath to him, first as a member and then as the Pro-tem Speaker.

According to a press release issued by the Raj Bhavan, “Nazeer administered oath to MLA Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary as Pro-tem speaker at a programme held in Durbar Hall at Raj Bhavan here on Thursday.” 

As an MLA, Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdhury represents the Rajahmundry Rural Assembly Constituency.

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What is Pro-tem Speaker?

The term "Pro-tem" is short for "Pro tempore," which is Latin for "for the time being." A Pro-tem Speaker is a temporary speaker appointed to preside over the first meeting of a newly elected legislative assembly until a permanent speaker is elected, as before the first meeting of the newly elected house, the speaker of the Lok Sabha or legislative assembly steps down from their position.

The pro-tem speaker is chosen by the president or governor to chair the newly elected house's sessions. The senior member of the house is typically appointed pro-tem speaker.

Key Responsibilities of a Protem Speaker

The Pro-tem Speaker presides over the first sitting of the Lok Sabha, administering the oath of office to the newly elected MPs. Additionally, the Pro-tem Speaker conducts the vote for the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Once a new Speaker is elected, the office of the Pro-tem Speaker ceases to exist. The Pro-tem Speaker may also administer the floor test if required.

The primary duties of the Pro-tem Speaker include administering the oath of office to new members of the assembly and conducting the election of the permanent Speaker. 

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