The following is a brief introduction to the topic:
India’s Vice President is India’s second highest constitutional position. He also serves as chairman of Rajya Sabha (the upper house of Indian Parliament). The Vice President is a key player in government functioning and has many important responsibilities.
1. Elections and Tenure
- A college of electors composed of representatives from both chambers of Parliament is responsible for the election of Vice President.
- The Vice-President serves for a period of five years.
- When the position of President is vacant, it’s the vice president who becomes acting President. This will continue until a successor to the President has been elected.
2. The Rajya Sabha
- The vice president is the person who preside over Rajya Sabha sessions and keeps order.
- It is the vice president who decides all points of order, and makes final decisions on Parliamentary procedures.
- In the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President can break a deadlock.
3. Constitutional powers
- In addition to the ability to name members to committees, and to councils, certain powers are vested in the Vice President.
- When the president is absent, the vice-president may also be able to exercise legislative powers.
- The vice president can serve as ex-officio chair of the National Disaster Management Authority.
4. Salary, Benefits and Bonuses
- A salary of 4 lakhs rupees is due to the Vice-President of India each month.
- The vice president receives certain allowances, such as daily payments for tours on official business and housing allowances.
- A residence is allocated to the Vice President, as well as staff members for both personal and official duties.
5. Vice President Successor of the President
- In the event that the president is not able to perform his duties, due to sickness or other circumstances, then the vice-president can take over.
- When the president resigns, or if he is removed from his office, then the vice-president becomes President. This will continue until a successor is elected.
- In the event of the death of the president, the Vice-President can assume the position of President.
FAQs
A: Yes, the vice-president of India can be removed.
A: The Vice President may be removed by the majority of Members of Parliament.
A: Can the Vice-President have a say on how the Government functions?
A: In the real functioning of the Government, the Vice President has only a small role. This is because the majority of executive power rests with the President and Prime Minister.
The Vice President is an appointed or elected position.
A. The Vice-President is selected by an electorate composed of the members of both Houses of Parliament.
A: Yes, the vice president can preside at joint sessions of parliament.
The vice president can indeed preside at joint sessions when the two houses of parliament meet.
Question: Does the vice president of India have a veto?
The vice president does not possess a veto because it’s not in their constitution.
How old do you have to be in order to run for Vice-President of India?
To be considered for this position, the Vice President’s age must be 35 or older.
A: Yes, the vice president of India can run for another term.
A: The Vice President is eligible to run for another term, if elected by the electorate.
A: Yes, the vice president can resign.
A: The vice president can resign their office by sending the resignation letter to the president.
What diplomatic powers does the vice-president have?
A: No, the Vice President has no diplomatic power. These are reserved for the President and Prime Minister.
A: Yes, the vice president of India can be impeached.
A: The Vice President is impeachable by two thirds of both chambers of parliament for gross misconduct or violation of constitution.
