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The Post of Vice President of India

The post of Vice-President of India is modelled on the lines of American Vice-President. In India, Vice-President has the second-highest office in the country.
  • Article 63 of the Indian Constitution mentions the post of Vice-President.  
  • Vice President Office is meant to maintain the political continuity of the Indian State.
  • Jagdeep Dhankar  is the current Vice President of India and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He is in office since 2022

Vice-President Of India | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE Sh. Jagdeep Dhankhar  

Powers & Functions of Vice President of India

The Vice President of India, after the President, is the highest dignitary of India, and certain powers are attached to the office of the Vice President. 
  • The Vice President takes over the duties of the President if the President is temporarily unable to perform due to illness or any other reason.

  • If the office of the President becomes vacant due to death, resignation, removal (impeachment), or any other reason, the Vice President will act as the President.

  • The Vice President will continue to perform the duties of the President until a new President is elected and assumes office.

  • The Vice President is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

  • However, when the Vice President acts as or discharges the functions of the President, he or she stops performing the role of Rajya Sabha Chairman during that period.

Vice-President Of India | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE

Election for the Post of Vice President

There is no direct election for the Vice-President of India however, he/she is indirectly elected by an Electoral College. 

  • The election process is quite similar to that of the President of India but the electoral college that elects President is different from the electoral college responsible for the election of the Vice-President of India.
  • The difference between the electoral college that elects President and the one electing Vice-President of India is given below:

    (i) In the electoral college for Vice President, both elected and nominated members of both the Houses of Parliament take part.
    (ii) In presidential elections, nominated members are not a part of the electoral college.

  • For Vice President’s elections, states have no role to play unlike in President’s elections where state legislative assemblies’ elected members are a part of the electoral college.

  • The principle of election used in Vice President’s elections is ‘Proportional Representation by means of a single transferable vote. (It is similar to that of President.)

Qualifications Required

  • An Indian citizen can qualify for the post of Vice President if he is 35 years old or more. 
  • Another qualification for a candidate to run for vice-presidential elections is to be qualified to be elected as a Rajya Sabha member. 
  • An office of profit cannot be held by the Vice President of India. 
  • The qualifications of this post are on the same lines as Presidential qualifications.
    Question for Vice-President Of India
    Try yourself:The Vice President shall discharge the functions of the ________ during the temporary absence.
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Oath

  • Oath is administered by the President or some person appointed by the President.
  • Vice President Swears to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India & faithfully discharge the duties of his office
    Vice-President Of India | Indian Polity for UPSC CSEVice - President taking Oath

Term of Office of Vice President

From the date, he enters his office, Vice President holds the position for five years. 

However, he can resign before five years by handing over his resignation to the President. The other ways where a vacancy is created in the office of Vice President are given below:

  • When he completes his term of five years
  • When he resigns
  • When he is removed
  • On his death
  • When his election is declared void

Impeachment of Vice President of India

Unlike the President of India who can be impeached formally; there is no formal impeachment for Vice President.

  • Rajya Sabha simply can pass a resolution with a majority and Lok Sabha can pass it.
  • Also, unlike the President of India who can be impeached on the ground of ‘Violation of Constitution,’ there is no ground mentioned in the constitution for the removal of Vice President of India.
  • Supreme Court decides election disputes related to the office of Vice President.

Vacancy in Vice President's Office

(i) Vacancy in the VP's office can occur in the following situations:

  • On expiry of tenure of 5 years
  • Resignation
  • Removal
  • Death
  • Otherwise: when election is declared void etc.

(ii) In case of expiry of the term, an election must be held beforehand
(iii) In case of other reasons for the vacancy, fresh elections need to be held as soon as possible
(iv) Newly elected VP to serve full 5-year term

American VP in comparison with Indian VP

(i) Indian VP's office is based on the lines of the American VP's office.
(ii) Differences:

  • American VP succeeds the Presidency when it falls vacant. Remains President for the unexpired term of his predecessor
  • Indian VP only becomes acting President

Articles 63–71

Article 63 to Article 71 of the Indian Constitution deals with the election, qualification, and removal of Vice Presidents of India. The table below highlights these Articles in a gist.

Vice-President Of India | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE

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FAQs on Vice-President Of India - Indian Polity for UPSC CSE

1. What are the powers and functions of the Vice President of India?
Ans. The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament. They preside over its sessions, maintain decorum, and decide on points of order. They also have the power to cast a vote in the event of a tie. Additionally, the Vice President performs various ceremonial functions and represents India at international forums when the President is unable to attend.
2. How is the Vice President of India elected?
Ans. The Vice President of India is elected by an Electoral College consisting of members of both houses of Parliament. The votes are cast through a secret ballot. To be elected, a candidate must secure a simple majority of votes. If no candidate receives a majority in the first round, the process is repeated, and the candidate with the highest number of votes is declared the winner.
3. What qualifications are required to become the Vice President of India?
Ans. To be eligible for the position of Vice President of India, a person must fulfill the following qualifications: - They must be a citizen of India. - They must have completed at least 35 years of age. - They must be eligible to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament.
4. What is the term of office for the Vice President of India?
Ans. The Vice President of India holds office for a term of five years. There is no limit on the number of times a person can be elected as Vice President, as long as they fulfill the eligibility criteria.
5. How can the Vice President of India be impeached?
Ans. The Vice President of India can be impeached by a resolution passed by a special majority in both houses of Parliament. The resolution must be supported by a majority of the total membership of each house, as well as by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting. The President of India must also give their assent to the resolution for it to take effect.
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