The Vice-President of India: Role and Functions
The office of the Vice-President of India is a crucial constitutional position, second only to the President. This module delves into the constitutional provisions, election process, qualifications, powers, and functions of the Vice-President, essential for understanding the Indian polity for competitive exams like the UPSC Prelims.
Constitutional Provisions and Election
Article 63 of the Constitution of India states that 'There shall be a Vice-President of India.' The Vice-President is elected indirectly by members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. This process ensures a broad representation from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Article 63.
Qualifications and Oath
Powers and Functions
The Vice-President has two main capacities: as the Vice-President of India and as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This dual role is a unique feature of the Indian parliamentary system.
| Role | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Vice-President of India | Acts as President during a vacancy in the President's office due to death, resignation, or removal. Also acts as President when the President is unable to discharge their functions due to absence, illness, or any other cause. |
| Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha | Presides over the sessions of the Rajya Sabha, maintains order, and has all the powers of the Presiding Officer. However, when acting as President, they do not perform the duties of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. |
The Vice-President's role as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is crucial for the smooth functioning of the Upper House, ensuring legislative proceedings are conducted efficiently and impartially.
Removal of the Vice-President
The Vice-President can be removed from office by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha and agreed to by the Lok Sabha. However, no such resolution shall be moved unless at least fourteen days' notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution. This process is distinct from the impeachment of the President.
Fourteen days.
Significance in Indian Polity
The Vice-President serves as a vital link between the executive and legislative branches, particularly through their role in the Rajya Sabha. Their ability to step in as President during emergencies ensures continuity of governance. Understanding this office is fundamental for grasping the checks and balances within India's parliamentary democracy.
Learning Resources
Direct access to the constitutional articles pertaining to the Union Executive, including the Vice-President.
The official portal providing information about the current Vice-President, their activities, and historical context.
Official website of the Upper House of Parliament, detailing its functions and the role of the Chairman (Vice-President).
Access to past UPSC Prelims papers to understand the pattern and types of questions asked on the Vice-President.
A widely recommended book for UPSC preparation, offering detailed explanations of constitutional bodies and their functions.
An in-depth article analyzing the constitutional role and significance of the Vice-President in the Indian political system.
An explanation of the electoral college process for electing the Vice-President, crucial for understanding the indirect election mechanism.
A comprehensive overview of the Vice-President's powers, election process, and removal procedures, presented in an easy-to-understand format.
A legal perspective on the constitutional articles and provisions that govern the office of the Vice-President.
A broad overview of the office, including historical context, list of officeholders, and key constitutional aspects.