Indian Polity
Vice President of India
Definition
The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional office in the Republic of India, serving as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The office acts as a successor to the President in case of vacancy and performs ceremonial functions alongside legislative duties.
Overview
## Vice President of India
The Vice President of India holds the second-highest constitutional office in the Indian Republic, combining executive and legislative functions. This unique position serves as both the constitutional successor to the President and the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
### Constitutional Framework
Established under Articles 63-71 of the Indian Constitution, the Vice President is elected indirectly by an electoral college comprising all members of both Houses of Parliament. The election follows the system of proportional representation by single transferable vote, ensuring broad-based support.
### Dual Responsibilities
The Vice President performs a dual role • serving as the nation's Vice President and simultaneously functioning as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This unique arrangement distinguishes India's system from many other democracies. As Rajya Sabha Chairman, the Vice President presides over sessions, maintains parliamentary decorum, and ensures smooth legislative proceedings.
### Powers and Functions
Key responsibilities include presiding over joint sessions of Parliament, casting deciding votes in case of ties in Rajya Sabha, and acting as President when the office falls vacant. The Vice President also represents India at various ceremonial functions and international events.
### Significance
The office serves as a crucial link between the executive and legislature, ensuring continuity in governance while maintaining parliamentary traditions. The position has been held by distinguished personalities including Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and currently Jagdeep Dhankhar (since 2022).
The Vice President of India holds the second-highest constitutional office in the Indian Republic, combining executive and legislative functions. This unique position serves as both the constitutional successor to the President and the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
### Constitutional Framework
Established under Articles 63-71 of the Indian Constitution, the Vice President is elected indirectly by an electoral college comprising all members of both Houses of Parliament. The election follows the system of proportional representation by single transferable vote, ensuring broad-based support.
### Dual Responsibilities
The Vice President performs a dual role • serving as the nation's Vice President and simultaneously functioning as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This unique arrangement distinguishes India's system from many other democracies. As Rajya Sabha Chairman, the Vice President presides over sessions, maintains parliamentary decorum, and ensures smooth legislative proceedings.
### Powers and Functions
Key responsibilities include presiding over joint sessions of Parliament, casting deciding votes in case of ties in Rajya Sabha, and acting as President when the office falls vacant. The Vice President also represents India at various ceremonial functions and international events.
### Significance
The office serves as a crucial link between the executive and legislature, ensuring continuity in governance while maintaining parliamentary traditions. The position has been held by distinguished personalities including Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and currently Jagdeep Dhankhar (since 2022).