Points to Remember:
- Election of the Vice President is an indirect election.
- Electoral College comprises members of both Houses of Parliament.
- The Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
Introduction:
The Vice President of India is the second-highest office in the Indian political system. Unlike the President, who is elected by an electoral college comprising elected members of both Houses of Parliament and state legislative assemblies, the Vice President’s election is solely by the members of Parliament. This indirect election process ensures a balance of representation from both houses of the legislature. The Vice President also holds a crucial constitutional role as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Body:
1. The Electoral College:
The electoral college for the Vice Presidential election consists of all the members of both Houses of Parliament â the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Each member casts a single vote. The election is conducted according to the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. This system ensures that even candidates with minority support have a chance to be elected.
2. The Election Process:
The election is conducted by the Election Commission of India, following procedures similar to those for Presidential elections. Nominations are filed, scrutinized, and candidates can withdraw their nominations. The voting process is secret, and the counting of votes is done according to the prescribed rules. The candidate securing a majority of valid votes cast is declared elected. In case of a tie, the Election Commission conducts a lottery to determine the winner.
3. The Role as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha:
The Constitution of India explicitly states that the Vice President shall be the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This means that the Vice President automatically assumes the chairmanship of the Upper House of Parliament. In this capacity, the Vice President presides over the Rajya Sabha’s sessions, maintains order, puts questions to the vote, and gives casting votes in case of a tie. However, the Vice President, while chairing the Rajya Sabha, does not have a vote except in the case of a tie. They also have a significant role in guiding the proceedings of the House and ensuring its smooth functioning.
Conclusion:
The election of the Vice President of India is a crucial part of the Indian democratic process. The indirect election by members of both Houses of Parliament ensures representation from both houses and a balance of power. The Vice President’s ex-officio chairmanship of the Rajya Sabha is a significant constitutional provision, highlighting the importance of this office in the functioning of the Indian Parliament. Maintaining the integrity and efficiency of this election process is vital for upholding the democratic principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Further, promoting transparency and awareness about the election process among the electorate can strengthen the democratic fabric of the nation. A well-functioning Rajya Sabha, guided by an impartial and effective Chairman, is essential for a robust and representative legislative system, contributing to holistic national development.
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