The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Qualifications for Election to the Position of the Vice President
- He should be a citizen of India.
- He should have completed thirty-five years of age.
- He should be qualified for elections as a member of the Council of states.
- He should not hold any office of profit under the Government of India.
Election of the Vice President of India
- The Vice President of India is elected by the members of the Electoral College consisting of the members of both Houses of the Parliament. The election is held in accordance with the system of proportionate representation by the means of a single transferable vote.
- The voting of the Vice President takes place by secret ballot.
Term of Office
- The Vice President of India holds office for a term of five years.
- He may resign from his office by submitting a written application to the President.
- He can be removed from the office by the process of impeachment for violating the terms of the Constitution.
Powers and Functions of the Vice President
The Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He may suspend and adjourn the business of the House in case of grave disorder. He regulates the debates and the proceedings of the House.
The Vice President of India can take over the position of the President under the following circumstances:
- In case of the death of the President .In case of the resignation of the President.
- In case of the impeachment of the President.
- When the President is not able to discharge his duties owing to his absence, illness or because of any other causes.
- In case of impeachment or the death of the President, the Vice President acts as President till the new President is elected.
- Also Read The President and the Vice President