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Leader of Opposition
Context:
Lok Sabha got the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, a position that was left vacant for the past 10 years.
Criteria for selection :
- There is no provision in the Constitution or in the Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure in regard to the recognition of the LoP.
- There was no Leader of Opposition till 1969 and the concept emerged only after the break-up of the erstwhile Congress party in power.
- The statutory definition of the Leader of Opposition has been provided in the Salary and Allowances of Leader of Opposition Act of 1977.
- The 1977 Act has not set the 10% condition as a prerequisite for Leader of Opposition. The 10% condition for LoP has been incorporated in Direction 121(1) in Parliament (Facilities) Act 1998.
Perks and privileges:
- Enjoy the rank of a cabinet minister and get an office and staff in the Parliament building.
- The Leader of the Opposition occupies a seat in the front row left to the Chair.
- Certain privileges on ceremonial occasions like escorting the Speaker-elect to the rostrum
- LoP gets a salary and has several facilities and amenities at his/her disposal under the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977.
Responsibilities:
- participating in the appointment process for officials such as the
- CBI director,
- Chief Election Commissioners,
- National Human Rights Commission
- Lokpal Chief
- Chief Vigilance Commissioner.
- Enforcement director
- Chief information commissioner
- Chairman of Public Account Committee:
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- Since 1967 a convention has been deployed whereby the chairman of the committee is LoP
- As the chairman main functions include :
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- Auditing CAG report
- To examine the appropriation and finance accounts of the Union Government.
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