Indian Polity — The Vice President of India
1. Introduction
- The Vice-President occupies the second highest office in the country.
- He is accorded a rank next to the President in the official warrant of precedence.
- This office is modelled on the lines of the American Vice-President.
KNOWLEDGE NUGGET
- Article 63: There shall be a Vice-President of India.
- Second Highest Office: Next to the President in warrant of precedence.
- Model: Modelled on the American Vice-President.
2. Election
Electoral College
- Both elected and nominated members of the Parliament (in the case of the President, only elected members).
- It does not include the members of the State Legislative Assemblies (in the case of the President, the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies are included).
- It is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote and the voting is by secret ballot.
PRESIDENT vs VICE-PRESIDENT — ELECTORAL COLLEGE
| Feature | President | Vice-President |
|---|---|---|
| Members of Parliament | Only elected members | Elected and nominated members |
| State Legislative Assemblies | Elected members included | Not included |
3. Qualifications
- Similar to the President, except that he should be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
QUALIFICATIONS — VICE-PRESIDENT
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must be at least 35 years of age.
- Must be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
- Must not hold any office of profit under the Union or State Government.
4. Term, Resignation, Removal, Vacancy
Term
- The Vice-President holds office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office.
Resignation
- He gives his resignation letter to the President.
Removal
- He can be removed from the office before the completion of his term.
- A formal impeachment is not required for his removal.
- He can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
Vacancy
- A vacancy in the Vice-President's office can occur on:
- Expiry of his tenure of five years
- By his resignation
- On his removal
- By his death
REMOVAL PROCESS — KEY POINTS
- No Impeachment: The Vice-President can be removed without a formal impeachment.
- Rajya Sabha Resolution: Must be passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha.
- Lok Sabha Agreement: The resolution must be agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
- 14 Days' Notice: Required before the resolution can be moved.
5. Powers of the Vice-President
As Chairman of Rajya Sabha
- He acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
As Acting President
- He acts as President when a vacancy occurs in the office of the President due to his resignation, impeachment, death or otherwise.
- He can act as President only for a maximum period of six months, within which a new President has to be elected.
- When the sitting President is unable to discharge his functions due to absence, illness or any other cause, the Vice-President discharges his functions until the President resumes his office.
- While acting as President or discharging the functions of the President, the Vice-President does not perform the duties of the office of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
VICE-PRESIDENT'S ROLE AS ACTING PRESIDENT
- Acts as President: When vacancy occurs due to resignation, impeachment, death, or otherwise.
- Maximum Period: 6 months — new President must be elected within this period.
- Discharges Functions: When the sitting President is unable to function due to absence, illness, etc.
- Ceases to be Chairman: Does not perform duties of Rajya Sabha Chairman while acting as President.
6. President vs Vice-President — Comparison
| Feature | President | Vice-President |
|---|---|---|
| Office Rank | First | Second |
| Election | Electoral College (Elected MPs + Elected MLAs) | Electoral College (Elected + Nominated MPs) |
| Removal | Impeachment (2/3 majority) | Resolution (Rajya Sabha majority + Lok Sabha agreement) |
| Resignation | To Vice-President | To President |
| Ex-Officio Role | None | Chairman of Rajya Sabha |
| Acting Role | None | Acts as President when vacancy occurs (max 6 months) |
7. Summary: Vice-President at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Article | 63 |
| Rank | Second highest office in the country |
| Election | Proportional Representation (Single Transferable Vote) — Elected + Nominated MPs |
| Term | 5 years |
| Age | 35+ years |
| Removal | Rajya Sabha resolution (majority of all members) + Lok Sabha agreement |
| Ex-Officio | Chairman of Rajya Sabha |
| Acting President | Max 6 months |
| Model | American Vice-President |
Key Takeaways for UPSC
- Article 63: There shall be a Vice-President of India.
- Second Highest Office: Next to the President in warrant of precedence.
- Electoral College: Elected + Nominated members of Parliament (excludes MLAs).
- Removal: No impeachment — Rajya Sabha resolution + Lok Sabha agreement.
- Ex-Officio Chairman: Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
- Acting President: Acts as President for a maximum of 6 months when vacancy occurs.
- Model: Modelled on the American Vice-President.
High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (The Vice President of India)
Q1. The office of the Vice-President of India is modelled on which country?
Correct Answer: C. The office of the Vice-President of India is modelled on the American Vice-President.
Q2. The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of:
Correct Answer: B. The Vice-President is elected by both elected and nominated members of Parliament. State Legislative Assembly members are not included.
Q3. The Vice-President must be qualified for election as a member of which House?
Correct Answer: B. The Vice-President must be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Q4. The Vice-President holds office for a term of:
Correct Answer: B. The Vice-President holds office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office.
Q5. The Vice-President can be removed from office by:
Correct Answer: B. The Vice-President can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
Q6. Who does the Vice-President submit his resignation to?
Correct Answer: B. The Vice-President submits his resignation letter to the President of India.
Q7. The Vice-President acts as President for a maximum period of:
Correct Answer: B. The Vice-President can act as President only for a maximum period of six months, within which a new President has to be elected.
Q8. What is the minimum age required to be the Vice-President of India?
Correct Answer: C. The Vice-President must be at least 35 years of age, similar to the President.
Q9. While acting as President, the Vice-President:
Correct Answer: B. While acting as President or discharging the functions of the President, the Vice-President does not perform the duties of the office of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Q10. The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of which House?
Correct Answer: B. The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.