The Vice President of India holds a unique and dual position in the Indian political system. While primarily the second-highest constitutional office in the country, the Vice President also serves ex-officio as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. This dual role is pivotal for maintaining the legislative and constitutional balance in India.
Constitutional Provision
The role of the Vice President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is explicitly mentioned in Article 64 of the Indian Constitution, which states:
> “The Vice-President shall be ex officio Chairman of the Council of States and shall not hold any other office of profit.”
This means that upon being elected as the Vice President, the person automatically assumes the role of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Duties and Responsibilities as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha
1. Presiding Over Sessions
The primary responsibility of the Vice President as the Chairman is to preside over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha. This includes:
Maintaining order and decorum in the House
Allowing members to speak in accordance with rules
Putting questions to vote
Ensuring discipline and proper conduct among members
2. Deciding on Points of Order
The Chairman decides all points of order that may arise during the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha. His or her decision is final and binding.
3. Casting Vote
Unlike the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Chairman does not have a casting vote in case of a tie. This is because the Vice President is not a member of the Rajya Sabha.
4. Admissibility of Questions and Motions
The Chairman plays an important role in deciding whether:
Questions asked by members are admissible
Notices of motions or resolutions are valid This gatekeeping function helps ensure only meaningful and rule-abiding discussions take place.
5. Disciplinary Role
The Chairman has the authority to:
Warn or suspend members for unruly behavior
Expunge unparliamentary words from the records
Adjourn the House in case of grave disorder
6. Committee Assignments
The Chairman is responsible for the nomination of members to various committees of the Rajya Sabha, including the:
Business Advisory Committee
Rules Committee
General Purposes Committee
7. Ensuring Legislative Efficiency
The Chairman ensures that legislative business is conducted efficiently and fairly, balancing government and opposition time and facilitating healthy debate and deliberation.
Importance in the Indian Parliamentary System
The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is not aligned to any political party while performing duties in the House. This neutrality ensures:
Impartial conduct of proceedings
Protection of the rights of members, particularly of opposition voices
Smooth legislative functioning
The Vice President, as Chairman, does not participate in debates, which enhances neutrality, unlike the Speaker of the Lok Sabha who may be elected from the ruling party and has to renounce party affiliation after election.
Limitations of the Chairman's Role
The Vice President has no role in the day-to-day executive affairs of the government.
The powers of the Chairman are limited to the Rajya Sabha and do not extend to the Lok Sabha or joint sittings.
He or she cannot vote, even in the case of a tie.
Historical Significance and Notable Chairmen
Several Vice Presidents of India have left a notable legacy as effective Chairmen of Rajya Sabha:
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (1952–1962): Known for his scholarly conduct of the House.
M. Venkaiah Naidu (2017–2022): Focused on discipline and decorum, emphasized productivity.
Jagdeep Dhankhar (Incumbent as of 2025): Advocates parliamentary reforms and robust debates.
The Vice President of India, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, plays a crucial constitutional role in upholding the dignity, efficiency, and neutrality of the Upper House. The office serves as a bridge between the executive and the legislature, contributing to the stability and maturity of Indian democracy.
By ensuring that discussions are balanced, rules are followed, and voices from across the political spectrum are heard, the Vice President as Chairman strengthens the parliamentary traditions and constitutional values of India.
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