Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan on Tuesday allowed the proposal by Deputy Speaker Shanimol Osman to allow occupants of the post to make submissions and move calling attention motions in the Assembly.

Radhakrishnan's ruling on the proposal by Osman, which had also received the support of Chief Minister V D Satheesan, marks a change in a long-standing House convention since 1991.

Allowing the proposal, the Speaker said that from 1957 to 1991, all but two of the Deputy Speakers had made submissions and moved calling attention motions in the House.

However, from 1991 onwards, none of the Deputy Speakers exercised this right, he said, adding that this occurred after their salaries were made equal to those of ministers.

At the same time, the chief whip, who holds the cabinet rank, continues to exercise this right, Radhakrishnan said.

"In these circumstances, changing the convention which was being followed since 1991, the Chair has decided to allow Deputy Speakers to make submissions and move calling attention motions in the House," the Speaker ruled.

When a Deputy Speaker gives a notice in respect of a submission or a calling attention motion, they will be given priority to present it in the House, he added.

The CM on Monday said there was nothing in the Rules of Procedure of the House that prohibits a Deputy Speaker from participating in submissions or calling attention motions relating to issues in his or her constituency.

He had noted that the restriction was merely a convention followed by the House and not a statutory requirement.

Osman represents Aroor constituency in the Assembly.