Overview of the Vice-President of India
The Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional office, acting as a crucial link between the executive and the legislature. The office is modeled after the Vice-President of the United States but tailored to India's parliamentary system. The Vice-President plays a pivotal role in the functioning of the Rajya Sabha and assumes the presidency in case of a vacancy.
Constitutional Provision: Article 63 of the Indian Constitution states, "There shall be a Vice-President of India."
Powers and Functions
The Vice-President has a dual role: as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and as the acting President when needed. Below are the key powers and functions:
- Chairman of Rajya Sabha: Presides over the sessions of the Rajya Sabha, ensuring orderly conduct and adherence to parliamentary procedures (Article 64).
- Casting Vote: In case of a tie in the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President casts the deciding vote (Article 100).
- Acting President: Assumes the role of President in case of the latter's death, resignation, removal, or inability to perform duties (Article 65).
- Diplomatic Roles: Represents India in international forums and state visits when required.
Note: The Vice-President does not have executive powers like the President but plays a significant legislative role.
Election Process
The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha). The election follows these key points:
- Eligibility: Must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, and eligible for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha (Article 66).
- Nomination: Requires at least 20 electors as proposers and 20 as seconders.
- Voting: Conducted through a secret ballot using the single transferable vote system (Article 66).
- Term: The Vice-President serves a term of 5 years but can be re-elected (Article 67).
Constitutional Provision: Article 66(1) states, "The Vice-President shall be elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament."
Removal of the Vice-President
The Vice-President can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an absolute majority (more than 50% of total members) and agreed upon by the Lok Sabha (Article 67). No formal impeachment process is required, unlike the President.
UPSC Tip: Compare the removal process of the Vice-President (Article 67) with that of the President (Article 61) for clarity in answers.
UPSC Relevance
The role of the Vice-President is a critical topic in the UPSC syllabus under Indian Polity (GS Paper II). Aspirants should focus on:
- Constitutional provisions (Articles 63–71).
- Comparison with the President's role.
- Key Supreme Court judgments related to the Vice-President’s functions.
- Recent Vice-Presidents and their contributions to parliamentary proceedings.
"The Vice-President’s role, though ceremonial, is a cornerstone of India’s parliamentary democracy." – Studynoteshub