Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Vice-President of India

“The Vice-President is the second-highest constitutional office in India, after the President.”

Introduction

The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and acts as the President in the latter’s absence. The office is defined under Articles 63 to 73 of the Indian Constitution. The role of the Vice-President is largely legislative, though it has executive relevance in certain conditions.

Election of the Vice-President

The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of:

  • Members of both Houses of Parliament (elected + nominated)

The election is conducted using the proportional representation system by single transferable vote, and voting is done by secret ballot.

Qualifications

  • Must be a citizen of India
  • Should be at least 35 years of age
  • Qualified to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha
  • Should not hold any office of profit under the government

Term, Oath, and Conditions

  • Term: 5 years (can be re-elected)
  • Oath: Administered by the President or someone appointed by the President
  • Can resign to the President before term ends

Functions and Powers

1. Legislative Functions

The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He presides over its proceedings and ensures discipline and decorum in the house. He does not vote in the house except in case of a tie.

2. Executive Functions

In the absence of the President due to death, resignation, removal, or otherwise, the Vice-President acts as the President of India until a new President is elected (maximum 6 months).

Removal of the Vice-President

The Vice-President can be removed by a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha with an absolute majority and agreed upon by the Lok Sabha. However, the Constitution does not prescribe an impeachment process as in the case of the President.

Important Articles

  • Article 63: The Vice-President of India
  • Article 64: Vice-President to be the ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States
  • Article 66: Election of the Vice-President
  • Article 67: Term and removal of the Vice-President
  • Article 68: Time of holding election to fill the vacancy
  • Article 70: Discharge of President’s functions in other contingencies

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2019: Who acts as the President in the absence of the President?
  • The Vice-President of India
  • RRB NTPC 2020: Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
  • The Vice-President of India
  • HSSC 2021: What is the term of the Vice-President of India?
  • 5 years
  • SSC JE 2018: What is the minimum age for becoming the Vice-President?
  • 35 years
  • UPSC 2017: How is the Vice-President elected?
  • By members of both Houses of Parliament through proportional representation
  • SSC GD 2020: Which Article mentions the election of the Vice-President?
  • Article 66
  • RRB Group D 2022: Who administers the oath to the Vice-President?
  • The President of India
  • SSC MTS 2016: Can the Vice-President vote in Rajya Sabha?
  • Only in the event of a tie
  • UPSC CDS 2020: What happens if there’s a vacancy in the Vice-President’s office?
  • An election must be held within 6 months
  • HPSC 2022: Who can remove the Vice-President?
  • Rajya Sabha (by resolution) and Lok Sabha (by agreement)
Did You Know? Dr. S. Radhakrishnan was the first Vice-President of India and also the second President.

Conclusion

The Vice-President plays an essential role in India's constitutional framework. While his executive role is limited, his function as the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha ensures legislative discipline and continuity. The office of the Vice-President acts as a crucial backup to the President in India’s parliamentary democracy.

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