India’s constitution outlines the duties and powers of the Vice-President, who serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Recently, a new Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar, was welcomed to the Rajya Sabha. As explained in constitutional provisions such as Article 64 and 89, the Chairman is responsible for maintaining the sanctity and dignity of the House. The Chairman has the power to adjourn the House or suspend its sitting due to lack of quorum. The Chairman also has the authority to determine the disqualification of a Rajya Sabha member on grounds of defection, according to the 10th Schedule. However, removal from their position can only occur if they are removed from the Vice-Presidency.
Parliamentary Committees and Interpretation of Rules
The Chairman has the responsibility to direct Parliamentary Committees, regardless of how they were established. They also appoint members to various Standing Committees and Department-related Parliamentary Committees. The Chairman leads the Business Advisory Committee, the Rules Committee, and the General Purposes Committee. Interpreting the constitution and rules for matters related to the House also falls under the Chairman’s duties.
Removal of the Chairperson
The Chairperson can only be removed when they no longer hold the office of the Vice-President of India. During the resolution period for the Vice-President’s removal, the Vice-President cannot preside over the house as the chairman but can participate as a member.
Policies Regarding the Vice-President
Serving as the second highest constitutional office, the Vice-President holds a five-year term but may continue until their successor assumes office. The Vice-President can resign by submitting their resignation to the President of India, effective from the day it is accepted. If needed, removal from office can be achieved through a resolution of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), confirmed by the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
Eligibility and Electoral College
To be eligible for the Vice-Presidency, candidates must be Indian citizens above 35 years of age, qualified for election as a Rajya Sabha member, and should not hold any office of profit. The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of elected and nominated members of Rajya Sabha and elected members of Lok Sabha.
Election Procedure
According to Article 68, elections to replace an outgoing Vice-President due to term expiration must conclude before the end of the term. The Election Commission of India, under Article 324, supervises, directs, and controls the election process. In consultation with the Central Government, the Commission appoints the Secretary-General of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, alternating roles as the Returning Officer. The election poll is conducted at Parliament House.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
In the 2013 UPSC Civil Services Examination, questions were asked concerning the role of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and their membership in the House. It was also questioned whether nominated members of the Parliament have voting rights in presidential and Vice-Presidential elections. The proper answer to these questions provides insight into the constitutional provisions and powers related to the Vice-President and the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
