Introduction:
The Vice-President of India serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, which is the upper house of the Indian parliament. The role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is significant as it involves several key responsibilities and functions. This article will provide a point-wise discussion of the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, with the help of real examples after every point.
Presiding Officer:
The Vice-President, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, is the Presiding Officer of the house. He/she is responsible for maintaining order and decorum in the house and ensuring that the proceedings are conducted in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Rajya Sabha. For example, during the monsoon session of 2020, the then Vice-President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, took several measures to ensure the smooth functioning of the house, including the adoption of e-voting and paperless proceedings.
Adjudicator:
The Vice-President, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, is responsible for interpreting the rules and procedures of the house and settling any disputes that may arise during the proceedings. He/she also has the power to expel or suspend members who violate the rules of the house. For example, in 2018, the then Vice-President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, as the Chairman of the Rajajya Sabha, expelled 8 members for unruly behaviour during the proceedings of the house.
Representation of Rajya Sabha in the Joint Sitting:
The Vice-President, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, represents the Rajya Sabha in the Joint Sitting of the two houses of the Indian parliament. He/she presides over the Joint Sitting and ensures that the proceedings are conducted in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Joint Sitting. For example, in 2019, the then Vice-President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, presided over the Joint Sitting of the Indian parliament to pass the Triple Talaq Bill.
Representation of Rajya Sabha outside the Parliament:
The Vice-President, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, represents the Rajya Sabha in various official functions and ceremonial events. He/she also receives foreign dignitaries and heads of states visiting India. For example, in 2020, the then Vice-President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, received the President of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, on his state visit to India.
Representation of Rajya Sabha in the Presidential election:
The Vice-President, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, presides over the Presidential election and ensures that the proceedings are conducted in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Presidential election. For example, in 2017, the then Vice -President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, presided over the Presidential election in which Shri Ram Nath Kovind was elected as the 14th President of India.
Formation of Government:
The Vice-President, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, plays an important role in the formation of government. In case of a vacancy of the office of President, the Vice-President automatically becomes the President of India. Similarly, in case of a vacancy of the office of the Vice-President, the Rajya Sabha Chairman elects a new Vice-President. For example, in 2017, when the then President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee's term ended, the Vice-President Shri M. Hamid Ansari did not seek re-election, thus a new Vice-President, Shri Venkaiah Naidu was elected by the Rajya Sabha.
Formation of Committees:
The Vice-President, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, plays a key role in the formation of committees and in the appointment of members to those committees. For example, in 2021, the then Vice-President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, appointed members to various committees such as the Committee on Ethics, and the Committee on Petitions.
Summons and Prorogation:
The Vice-President, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, has the power to summon and prorogue the sessions of the Rajya Sabha and to dissolve the house. For example, in 2022, the then Vice-President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, prorogued the Rajya Sabha session to allow for the formation of new government following the general elections.
Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha Council of States and Rajya Sabha Committee of Privileges:
The Vice-President is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Council of States and Rajya Sabha Committee of Privileges. For example, in 2021, the then Vice-President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Council of States, chaired a meeting to discuss the functioning of the council.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is multifaceted and significant. The Vice-President acts as the Presiding Officer, Adjudicator, representative of Rajya Sabha in Joint sitting and outside the parliament, and preside over the Presidential election, formation of government, formation of committees, power to summon and prorogue and as the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha Council of States and Rajya Sabha Committee of Privileges. The real-world examples provided demonstrate how the Vice-President fulfills these responsibilities and how it contributes to the smooth functioning of the upper house of the Indian parliament.
