Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. (UPSC CSE Mains 2022 - General Studies Paper 2)
The position of Vice-President of India is considered the second highest constitutional office after the President. The Constitution of India addresses the office of the Vice-President in Part V, Articles 63-71.
Role of the Vice-Presidents of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
- The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha presides over the meetings of the House and ensures that the proceedings are conducted in accordance with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions.
- Communications to the President are made through the Chairman, and he also communicates the decisions of the House to the concerned authorities.
- The Chairman is empowered to adjourn or suspend the sitting of the House in the absence of quorum.
- The Chairman does not take part in the deliberations of the House, except in the discharge of his duties as the Presiding Officer.
- When a Bill is passed by the Houses and is in possession of the Rajya Sabha, the Chairman authenticates the Bill before presenting it to the President for assent.
- The Chairman exercises only a casting vote in the case of equality of votes.
- The Chairman is the custodian and guardian of the rights and privileges of the House and its members.
- The Chairman determines the question of disqualification of a member of the Rajya Sabha on the ground of defection.
- The Secretariat of Rajya Sabha functions under the control and direction of the Chairman of the House.
The Vice-President of India holds a dual role as both the second-in-command of the Executive branch and as the Presiding Officer of the Upper House of Parliament.
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