Vice President of India
The Vice President of India holds a significant position in the country's political structure, acting as the second-highest constitutional office. Below is a comprehensive analysis suitable for UPSC preparation, incorporating key points, statistics, tables, and facts from official documentation.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 63: Provides for a Vice President.
- Article 64: Vice President to be ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha).
- Article 65: Vice President to act as President or to discharge his functions during casual vacancies in the office, or during the absence of President.
Election Process
- Article 66: The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament.
- Eligibility: A citizen of India, not less than 35 years of age, and qualified to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
- Election Method: Proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote and the voting is by secret ballot.
Term of Office
- Article 67: The Vice President holds office for a term of five years and can be re-elected. The term can be cut short by resignation, removal, or death.
Removal Process
- Article 67(b): The Vice President can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an absolute majority and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
Powers and Functions
- Chairman of Rajya Sabha: Presides over the sessions of Rajya Sabha and ensures its smooth functioning.
- Acting President: Discharges the functions of the President during any casual vacancy in the office of President.
- Other Roles: Involved in ceremonial functions and represents the nation on various platforms.
Historical Context and List of Vice Presidents
| No. | Vice President | Term |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | 1952-1962 |
| 2 | Dr. Zakir Husain | 1962-1967 |
| 3 | V.V. Giri | 1967-1969 |
| 4 | Gopal Swarup Pathak | 1969-1974 |
| 5 | B.D. Jatti | 1974-1979 |
| 6 | M. Hidayatullah | 1979-1984 |
| 7 | R. Venkataraman | 1984-1987 |
| 8 | Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma | 1987-1992 |
| 9 | K.R. Narayanan | 1992-1997 |
| 10 | Krishan Kant | 1997-2002 |
| 11 | Bhairon Singh Shekhawat | 2002-2007 |
| 12 | Mohammad Hamid Ansari | 2007-2017 |
| 13 | M. Venkaiah Naidu | 2017-2022 |
| 14 | Jagdeep Dhankhar | 2022-Present |
Current Vice President
- Jagdeep Dhankhar: Serving since August 11, 2022. He was the Governor of West Bengal prior to becoming the Vice President.
Important Facts and Figures
- The Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, providing a crucial link between the legislative and executive branches of government.
- The first Vice President, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, later became the President of India.
- The Vice President's election process ensures representation of both Houses of Parliament, maintaining the federal structure.
Conclusion
The Vice President of India plays a pivotal role in the constitutional framework, acting as a bridge between the legislature and executive, and stepping in as the President when required. Understanding the role, functions, and historical context of the Vice President is essential for aspirants preparing for the UPSC examination, as it provides insights into India's political structure and governance.