Election and functions

Introduction

  1. The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional office in India.
  2. Acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
  3. Plays a crucial role in the functioning of the Parliament and ensures continuity of governance.

Election of the Vice President

  1. The Vice President is elected according to the provisions of Article 63 to Article 71 of the Indian Constitution.
  2. Election process is conducted by the Election Commission of India.
  3. The Vice President is elected by an electoral college comprising:
    • All members of the Rajya Sabha.
    • All members of the Lok Sabha.
  4. The election is conducted through a system of proportional representation using a single transferable vote.
  5. The candidate must secure a majority of the votes to be elected.
  6. Eligibility criteria for the Vice President:
    • Must be a citizen of India.
    • Should have completed 35 years of age.
    • Must be qualified to be a member of the Rajya Sabha.
    • Should not hold any office of profit under the Government of India, a State Government, or any public authority.
  7. The Vice President holds office for a term of 5 years, but can be re-elected.

Functions of the Vice President

  1. Acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and presides over its sessions.
  2. Maintains order and decorum in the Rajya Sabha.
  3. Decides on questions regarding disqualification of members of the Rajya Sabha under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law).
  4. Assumes the office of the President in case of a vacancy due to:
    • Resignation of the President.
    • Death of the President.
    • Removal of the President by impeachment.
    • Temporary inability of the President to discharge duties.
  5. During such a period, the Vice President exercises all the powers and functions of the President.

Removal of the Vice President

  1. The Vice President can be removed from office by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an absolute majority and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
  2. A 14-day notice is required for the initiation of the resolution.

Significance of the Vice President's Role

  1. Ensures the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament.
  2. Provides a mechanism for continuity in governance during a vacancy in the office of the President.
  3. Acts as a key figure in parliamentary democracy.

Comparison with the US Vice President

  1. The Indian Vice President primarily has a ceremonial role, whereas the US Vice President has a more active executive role.
  2. The Indian Vice President does not automatically succeed the President, unlike the US counterpart.

Conclusion

The Vice President of India plays an essential role in the functioning of the Parliament and serves as a constitutional safeguard during emergencies or transitions in the office of the President.

Category
Vice President
The Union Government
Indian Polity and Governance
Who elects the Vice President of India?
What is the term of office for the Vice President of India?
The Vice President acts as the ex-officio Chairman of which body?
What is the minimum age required to be eligible for the post of Vice President?
Under which Article of the Constitution is the office of Vice President established?
What is the method of voting in the election of the Vice President?
What is the qualification regarding the membership of the Vice President?
Who conducts the election for the Vice President?
What happens if the Vice President resigns before the end of the term?
What is the primary function of the Vice President in case of a vacancy in the office of the President?
Which body resolves disputes related to the election of the Vice President?
What is the procedure for removing the Vice President from office?
In case of the President's absence, who administers the oath of office to the Vice President?
The Vice President of India is equivalent to which position in the United States?
What happens if the Vice President is unable to perform their duties?
Who was the first Vice President of India?
Can the Vice President of India be re-elected?
What is the maximum gap between the resignation of a Vice President and the election of a new Vice President?
What is the role of the Vice President during a joint session of Parliament?
Can the Vice President act as the President and the Chairman of Rajya Sabha simultaneously?
Which of the following qualifications is NOT required for the Vice President of India?
The Vice President's election cannot be challenged on which ground?
In which year was the post of Vice President of India first established?
Can the Vice President initiate the process of a Money Bill in Rajya Sabha?
Who casts the deciding vote in case of a tie in Rajya Sabha?
How long can the Vice President serve as Acting President?
Who was the first woman to be elected as Vice President of India?
What happens to the office of the Vice President when the term ends?
The Vice President can take up the role of the President under which Article?
What happens to the salary of the Vice President when acting as the President?