Question

With reference to the Vice President of India, explain ​the following:​

• How is the Vice President of India elected?​
• What functions does the Vice President of India perform?​

Answer 1

Election of the ​Vice President of India​

• The Vice President of India is elected indirectly by an electoral college.​
• The electoral college consists of all the members of both Houses of Parliament.​
• The voting is done by a secret ballot in accordance with the system of proportional representation by ​means of the single transferable vote.​

Functions of the ​Vice President of India​

• Ex officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha:
• The Vice President acts as the ex officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.​
• In this capacity, they conduct the proceedings of the House and can suspend members for misconduct in the House.​

Acting as President of India:

• They can act as the President of India when the office of President falls vacant due to their resignation, death, impeachment, illness, or absence.​
• However, they can hold the office for a maximum of 6 months, during which a new President has to be elected.​