Polity
Women Ministers in Tamil Nadu: Historical Evolution
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- Context: In the newly formed Tamil Nadu Cabinet, nine Ministers were sworn in along with the Chief Minister.
- Keerthana became the first woman elected from the Sivakasi Assembly constituency.
- Claims on social media that she is the first woman Cabinet Minister in Tamil Nadu are incorrect.
First Woman Minister in Madras Presidency
- The first woman to become a Cabinet Minister in the then Madras Presidency was Rukmini Laxmipathi in 1946.
- She served in the Cabinet headed by T. Prakasam.
- She handled the Public Health and Medicine portfolios.
- Earlier, the 1937 Cabinet formed under C. Rajagopalachari had no women Ministers.
Women Ministers After Independence
- After India became a Republic, no women were included in the Cabinet formed in 1952 under Rajagopalachari.
- During a Cabinet reshuffle in 1953, Jothi Venkatachalam was inducted as a Minister.
Lourdammal Simon and Kamaraj Era
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- In 1957, Lourdammal Simon became a Minister in the Cabinet led by K. Kamaraj.
- She represented the Colachel constituency in Kanyakumari district.
- She was assigned the Local Administration portfolio.
Women Ministers in the DMK Era
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- In 1967, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam formed the government for the first time.
- Satyavani Muthu became Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare in the Cabinet headed by C. N. Annadurai.
- She later continued as Minister in Cabinets formed by M. Karunanidhi.
Later Developments
- After the death of M. G. Ramachandran, Janaki Ramachandran briefly served as Chief Minister and was the only woman in her Cabinet.
- In 1991, R. Indirakumari became a Minister in the Cabinet formed by J. Jayalalithaa.
- Since 1991, women have continuously been represented in Tamil Nadu Cabinets.
Presiding Officers of State Legislatures
- Context: J.C.D. Prabhakar, was unanimously elected the Speaker of the 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly. M. Ravisankar, was unanimously elected the Deputy Speaker.
Constitutional Provision
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- Article 178 provides for the offices of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker in State Legislative Assemblies.
- They are elected by the Assembly from among its members.
- In the Kihoto Hollohan Case (1992), the Supreme Court held that the Speaker’s decisions are subject to judicial review.
- They ensure smooth functioning of legislative proceedings and uphold democratic principles.
Functions of the Speaker
- Presides over Assembly proceedings
- Certifies Money Bills
- Interprets Rules of Procedure
- Decides disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law
Role in Maintaining Order in the Legislature
- Preside over Assembly sessions and conduct legislative business.
- Ensure orderly and disciplined debates inside the House.
- Prevent disruptions, offensive language, and unruly behaviour.
- Enforce legislative rules and procedures, including points of order and admissibility of motions.
- Allocate speaking time and facilitate participation of members in discussions.
- Help in the appointment of legislative committees for balanced representation.
The Speaker directly serves as the Chairperson of the following Legislative Committees:
- Business Advisory Committee
- General Purposes Committee
- Rules Committee
Role in Ensuring Impartiality and Democratic Practices
- Apply established precedents and rules for fair decision-making.
- Exercise casting vote in case of a tie, requiring political neutrality.
- Maintain trust and objectivity in legislative functioning.
- Hold consultations with leaders of different political parties to ensure consensus and smooth conduct of proceedings.
- Support democratic functioning through institutional strengthening and capacity building initiatives.
