The Speaker's official role is to moderate debate, make rulings on procedure, announce the results of votes, etc.

The Speaker decides who may speak and has the powers to discipline members who break the procedures of the Assembly.

The Deputy Speaker chairs sessions where the election takes place towards the end of a Vidhan Sabha.

Once the election is over, the person who is presiding declares the chosen candidate to be Speaker of the Assembly, without latter motions being voted upon.

Once the final tally of votes is declared, the Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition escort the Speaker elect to the Chair.

[9] To become the Speaker of the West Bengal Vidhan Sabha, a person must be a citizen of India, not less than 25 years of age.

[9][8] The Speaker is elected by other members of the Vidhan Sabha and is responsible for the conduct of business of the body.

He maintains discipline and decorum in the Assembly and can punish a member for their unruly behaviour by suspending them.

[8] The term of office of the Speaker ranges from the day he is elected to the dissolution of the Vidhan Sabha.

[11][8] Further, whenever the Assembly is dissolved, the speaker shall not vacate his office until immediately prior to the Vidhan Sabha's first meeting after the dissolution.

[12] The Speaker shall have the right to speak and take part in discussions in the Legislative Assembly while any resolution for his removal from office is under consideration in the Assembly and shall be entitled to vote only in the first instance on such resolution or on any other matter during such proceedings but not in the case of an equality of votes.

He is entrusted with wide-ranging punitive powers to help him maintain proper conduct in the Assembly.

He interacts with leaders of other parties at semi-formal meetings a day before the start of a session, to know their mood on a wide range of issues.