In a historic move that has marked progress in gender representation, four women parliamentarians have been nominated by the Rajya Sabha Chairman to the panel of vice-chairpersons. For the first time, women will have equal representation in this panel. This significant milestone is in tandem with digital advances as the Rajya Sabha Chair has transitioned into a fully digital role.
The Panel of Vice Chairpersons of Rajya Sabha
Article 118(1) of the Constitution empowers each House of Parliament to make rules that regulate its procedures and the conduct of its business. In 1964, the Rajya Sabha established its own set of rules under this provision. Among these rules, it was decided that the Chairman would nominate a panel of vice-chairpersons from among the members. This panel holds office until a new panel is nominated.
In the absence of the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman, any one of the vice-chairpersons can preside over the House, exercising the same powers as the presiding Chairman. If no member of the panel is present, another member as determined by the House will act as Chairman. However, if the offices of both the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman are vacant, a member appointed by the President will perform the Chairman’s duties. Members of the panel cannot preside over the House in such situation.
Status of Women’s Representation in Parliament
Recent trends reveal an encouraging increase in the number of female members in the Lok Sabha. The 14th Lok Sabha (2004) had 45 women members, accounting for 8.3% of the total MPs. In contrast, the figure rose to 81 (14.9%) for the 17th Lok Sabha (2019).
Understanding the Role of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and presides over its sessions, even though he is not a member of the House. The Deputy Chairman, however, is elected from among the members of the Rajya Sabha and handles day-to-day matters in the absence of the Chairman.
Eligibility for Voting in Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections
The President of India is chosen by an Electoral College consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) as well as elected members of State Legislative Assemblies including NCT of Delhi and Union Territory of Puducherry. Nominated members of both Houses do not have voting rights in the presidential election. However, both elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha elect the Vice President.
One of the newly-nominated women parliamentarians is Smt. S. Phangnon Konyak, who is the first woman from Nagaland to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, the pending passage of the women’s reservation Bill, first introduced in 1996, serves as a reminder of the progress still to be made for adequate women’s representation in politics.
