Description

Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: THE HINDU

Context:

Opposition parties in the INDIA bloc have decided to move a notice to remove the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha from his office.

About Vice-President of India

The Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional office after the President, and he serves as the Rajya Sabha's ex-officio chairman.

Eligibility Criteria

Under Article 66 of the Constitution, a candidate must:

Be a citizen of India.
Be at least 35 years old.
Be qualified for election to the Rajya Sabha.
Not hold any profit-making positions in the Union or state governments.

How is the Vice-President of India elected?

He is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament through a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.

How is the electoral process for the Vice-President different from that of the President?

The Vice-President's Electoral College includes both elected and nominated members of Parliament, whereas the President's Electoral College only includes elected members.

Members of the state legislative assembly do not participate in the Vice President's electoral college, but they do participate in the President's electoral process.

What roles and powers does the Vice-President hold?

Act as the Rajya Sabha's Ex-Officio Chairman, presiding over sessions, ensuring smooth proceedings, and voting only to break a tie.

Performs the President's functions when they are absent, resigned, removed, or died until a new President is elected.

Represents the office's dignity and neutrality without engaging in daily governance.

Tenure of the Vice-President

He serves a five-year term and is eligible for reelection.

He may resign by submitting a resignation letter to the President, or may be removed by a resolution passed by an effective majority of the Rajya Sabha and approved by the Lok Sabha.

How can the Vice President of India be removed from office?

According to Article 67(b), the Vice President can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all Rajya Sabha members, with the approval of the Lok Sabha by a simple majority. The resolution requires at least 14 days' notice before it can be moved.

There have been resolutions against Lok Sabha Speakers G V Mavalankar (1951), Sardar Hukam Singh (1966), and Balram Jakhar (1987). However, these resolutions were debated and rejected by the House.

Must Read Articles:

PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT ELECTION

VICE-PRESIDENT

Source:

The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements:

1. The Vice President is elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of both elected and nominated members of the Parliament.

2. The oath of office to the Vice-President is administered by the Chief Justice of India.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

The Vice-President is elected by members of an electoral college composed of members from both houses of Parliament. This electoral college differs from the electoral college for the election of the President in the following two ways.

It includes both elected and nominated members of Parliament.

It excludes members of the state legislative assemblies.

Statement 2 is incorrect:

Before entering his office, the Vice President must take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation. In his oath, the vice president swears To uphold the Indian Constitution and carry out their responsibilities with integrity.

The Vice President's oath of office is administered by the President or someone appointed by him.