Vice President of India­ | Vice President in Indian Constitution

Vice President of India

Table of Contents Vice President Introduction Articles of Vice President Election of Vice President Qualification of Vice President Oath of Vice President Tenure of Vice President Powers of Vice President Salary of Vice President Removal of Vice President Vacancy of Vice President Vice President as Acting President Facts about Vice President Conclusion Practice Questions

Vice President Introduction

The Vice President of India is the second highest constitutional authority after the President. He plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Indian democracy. The office is unique because it combines legislative and executive responsibilities.

• Acts as Chairman of Rajya Sabha, ensuring debates and legislative processes are orderly.
• Supports the President in governance during emergency or absence.
• Acts as a bridge between the Parliament and Executive.
• Maintains continuity of governance in case of President's vacancy.
• Can influence policy discussions through advisory and parliamentary role.

Articles of Vice President

The Constitution of India clearly defines the role, responsibilities, and legal framework for the Vice President under Articles 63–71. These articles ensure clarity in the functioning of this office.

• Article 63: Establishes office of Vice President.
• Article 64: Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
• Article 65: Acts as President if required.
• Article 66: Election procedure.
• Article 67: Term duration.
• Article 68: Filling vacancies.
• Article 69: Oath before office.
• Article 70: Other duties.
• Article 71: Election disputes handled by Supreme court.

Additional Points:

Articles ensure the Vice President is independent in legislative functioning

Dual role allows legislative oversight and temporary executive power.

Election of Vice President

The Vice President is elected indirectly by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament. This ensures that the candidate enjoys broad parliamentary support.

Election Process:

• Uses proportional representation with single transferable vote.
• Election conducted via secret ballot to maintain confidentiality..
• State legislatures do not participate.
• Managed by Election Commission of India.

Additional Notes:

Ensures fair representation of all parties in Parliament.

Candidate with absolute majority wins,counting uses transferable votes

Qualification of Vice President

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Minimum age: 35 years.
• Eligible for Rajya Sabha membership.
• Must not hold office of profit.
• Requires political experience and integrity.

Additional Notes:

Ensures candidate has political experience and is mature enough for governance.

Legal and moral integrity is crucial.

Oath of Vice President

Before assuming office, the Vice President takes an oath administered by the President. This formalizes his commitment to the Constitution and duty towards the nation.

Oath Content:

• To protect and uphold the Constitution of India.
• To serve the country faithfully and impartially.
• Serve country faithfully and impartially.
• To discharge duties honestly without personal bias.

Additional Notes:

Oath is a constitutional requirement under Article 69.

Reinforces the responsibility and accountability of the office.

Tenure of Vice President

The Vice President holds office for 5 years but can continue until a successor is elected.

• Holds office for 5 years.
• Eligible for re-election without limit.
• Can resign at any time by submitting resignation to the President.
• Continues until successor is elected.

Additional Notes:

Ensures stability in governance during transitions.

Provides flexibility in parliamentary functioning.

Powers of Vice President

The Vice President exercises legislative powers as Chairman of Rajya Sabha and can exercise executive powers in certain situations.

Legislative Powers:

• Maintains order and discipline in House debates.
• Decides on procedure, bills, and questions in House.
• Presides over Rajya Sabha sessions.
• Can cast tie-breaking vote in Rajya Sabha.

Executive Powers (Acting President):

• Exercises full presidential powers during President’s absence.
• Can sign bills and ordinances.
• Serves as head during emergencies or absence.

Salary of Vice President

The Vice President receives salary and perks as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

Salary & Allowances:

• Approx ₹4 lakh/month.
• Official residence and staff support.
• Travel allowances, pension, perks.

Additional Notes:

Salary is decided by Parliament and may be revised.

Ensures independence from executive pressure.

Removal of Vice President

The Vice President can be removed by Parliament through a special procedure.

Process of Removal:

• Resolution in Rajya Sabha with majority and approved by Lok Sabha.
• Grounds: misconduct or incapacity.
• Ensures accountability to Parliament.

Additional Notes:

Protects integrity of office.

Ensures accountability to Parliament.

Vacancy of Vice President

The office may become vacant due to resignation, death, or removal.

Key Points:

• Due to resignation, death, or removal.
• Election for new VP must be held quickly.
• Ensures continuity in governance.

Vice President as Acting President

When the President is unavailable, the Vice President performs all duties and assumes the role of Acting President.

Responsibilities as Acting President:

• Exercises full presidential powers in absence.
• Can address Parliament and sign legislation.
• Maintains national protocol and governance continuity.

Additional Notes:

Temporary arrangement until President returns or new President elected.

Demonstrates dual constitutional role.

Facts about Vice President

When the President is unavailable, the Vice President performs all duties and assumes the role of Acting President.

• First Vice President: Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
• Dual role (legislative + executive)
• Does not vote in Rajya Sabha except to break tie
• Influences policy indirectly through parliamentary leadership
• Key role during emergencies

Conclusion

The Vice President is a vital part of India's constitutional framework, bridging legislative and executive powers and ensuring continuity of governance.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which Article establishes the office of Vice President?
   Correct Answer: a) Article 63 — It establishes the office of Vice President.
2. Who elects the Vice President of India?
   Correct Answer: c) Members of both Houses of Parliament — VP is elected by both Houses.