Centenary of Vithalbhai Patel as First Indian Speaker
Why focus: 100th anniversary of first Indian Speaker (1925) — GS1 Modern History, direct NCERT hook for Swarajist politics and legislative milestones.
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: The administrative staff of the legislature reported directly to the British executive government. NOW: An independent Parliament Secretariat exists, a precedent set by Patel in 1928 to ensure staff report only to the Speaker.
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BEFORE: The security of the legislative building was controlled entirely by the British police and executive authorities. NOW: The Speaker exercises ultimate authority over the Parliament estate's security, a tradition tracing back to Patel's introduction of the independent Ward and Watch system.
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BEFORE: The presiding officer role was held by British appointees who heavily favoured the colonial administration's agenda. NOW: The Speaker is expected to maintain strict neutrality and impartiality, conventions first established in India by Patel's dignified conduct and objective use of the casting vote.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)With reference to Vithalbhai Patel's role in the Central Legislative Assembly, consider the following statements: 1. He was the first Indian to be elected as the President (Speaker) of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1925. 2. He established an independent Parliament Secretariat separate from the control of the British executive. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?