15th Vice-President of India | UPSC Notes for Prelims, Mains and Interview

• The Vice-President of India is highly relevant in the UPSC syllabus under Polity (GS-II), as part of the study of the Union Executive and Parliament. It covers constitutional provisions (Articles 63–71), election process, powers, and functions, especially as ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. In Prelims, factual aspects like election method, role of nominated members, and voting system are frequently asked. In Mains & Interview, analytical aspects such as neutrality in Parliament, federal balance, and need for reforms are tested.
• Vice President-elect C P Radhakrishnan has described his election to the second-highest Constitutional post as a victory of the nationalistic ideology and vowed to work towards making India a developed nation by 2047. He won the vice presidential election by a margin of 152 votes. While Mr Radhakrishnan bagged 452 votes, his opponent B Sudershan Reddy polled 300 votes. Seen as a soft-spoken and non-confrontational leader, 67-year-old Radhakrishnan succeeds Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned as Vice President on July 21 on health grounds. The victory of Radhakrishnan, a seasoned politician from Tamil Nadu, was a foregone conclusion due to the ruling alliance’s numerical edge. He is the third leader from Tamil Nadu to occupy the coveted post. CP Radhakrishnan, Maharashtra’s Governor, has been elected as India’s 15th Vice President. Radhakrishnan has been the Governor of Maharashtra since 31 July, 2024. Prior to becoming the Maharashtra Governor, Radhakrishnan served as the Governor of Jharkhand for nearly one and a half years.

Office of the Vice President

• Article 63 of the Constitution states that “there shall be a Vice-President of India”. Under Article 64, the Vice-President “shall be ex officio Chairman of the Council of the States” (Rajya Sabha).
• Article 65 says that “in the event of the occurrence of any vacancy in the office of the President by reason of his death, resignation or removal, or otherwise, the Vice-President shall act as President until the date on which a new President…enters upon his office”.
• The Vice-President shall also discharge the functions of the President when the latter is unable to do so “owing to absence, illness or any other cause”.
• During this period, the Vice-President shall “have all the powers and immunities of the President and be entitled to… (the) emoluments, allowances and privileges” that are due to the President. The office of the Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional office after that of the President, and ranks second in the order of precedence.

Election of the Vice-President

• Article 66 lays down the process of the election of the Vice-President. It says the Vice-President “shall be elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote and the voting at such election shall be by secret ballot”.
• The Electoral College consists of 233 elected members of the Rajya Sabha (currently, five seats are vacant), 12 nominated members of the Rajya Sabha, and 543 elected members of the Lok Sabha (currently, one seat is vacant), adding up to 788 members (currently, 782 members). In the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, the elector has to mark preferences against the names of the candidates.
• “Preference can be marked in the international form of Indian numerals, in Roman form, or in the form in any recognised Indian languages… The elector can mark as many preferences as the number of candidates. While the marking of the first preference is compulsory for the ballot paper to be valid, other preferences are optional,” the Election Commission of India said in a press release issued on August 1.
• Under the Constitution, the Vice-President “shall not be a member of either House of Parliament or of a House of the Legislature of any State”. If a member of any of these Houses is elected to the post, “he shall be deemed to have vacated his seat in that House on the date on which he enters upon his office as Vice-President”.

Add Career Launcher as a Trusted Source   

Eligibility and term of office

• Article 66(3) says “No person shall be eligible for election as Vice-President unless he — (a) is a citizen of India; (b) has completed the age of thirty-five years; and (c) is qualified for election as a member of the Council of States”.
• Under Article 66(4), “A person shall not be eligible for election as Vice-President if he holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State or under any local or other authority subject to the control of any of the said Governments.”
• Article 67 lays down that the “Vice-President shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office”. However, the Vice-President “shall, notwithstanding the expiration of his term, continue to hold office until his successor enters upon his office”.
• The Vice-President may leave office before the end of his term by resigning to the President, or he “may be removed…by a resolution of the Council of States passed by a majority of all the then members of the Council and agreed to by the House of the People”.

What if the Vice-presidential election is disputed?

• Article 71 of the Constitution deals with “Matters relating to, or connected with, the election of a President or Vice-President”. It says that “all doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with the election of a President or Vice-President shall be inquired into and decided by the Supreme Court whose decision shall be final”.
• The Supreme Court can declare the election of the President or Vice-President void, however, “acts done by him in the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of the office of President or Vice-President,…on or before the date of the decision of the Supreme Court shall not be invalidated by reason of that declaration”.
• Also, “Parliament may by law regulate any matter relating to or connected with the election of a President or Vice-President”.

Vice President of India salary, pension, other perks

• In 2018, the salary of the Vice President was raised to Rs 4 lakh, up from Rs 1.25 lakh, and the President’s to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 1.5 lakh. Before this revision, the salaries of these senior Constitutional posts had been less than top bureaucrats and armed forces service chiefs.
• The provisions for the Vice President are listed in The Vice-President’s Pension Act, 1997. Under the Act, “There shall be paid to every person who ceases to hold office as Vice-President, either by expiration of his term of office or by resignation of his office, a pension (at the rate of fifty per cent of the salary of the Vice-President) per month, for
• the remainder of his life”. After their death, their spouse is entitled to half of the pension amount per month.
• A person once elected Vice President is entitled to, for the remainder of his/her life, “the use without payment of rent of such furnished residence (including its maintenance), as the Central Government may determine from time to time}”, along with medical care and travel expenses, and a “secretarial staff consisting of a Private Secretary, an Additional Private Secretary, a Personal Assistant and two Peons and office expenses” up to a fixed limit.

Fact-based Questions related to Vice President of India

Ques. 1 Who elects the Vice-President of India? 

Ans. The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College, which consists of the members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (both elected and nominated members).

Ques 2. What is the term of the office of the Vice-President? 

Ans. The Vice-President holds office for a term of 5 years from the date on which he enters upon his office. However, notwithstanding the expiration of his term, he shall continue to hold office, until his successor enters upon his office. In the case of death, removal or resignation of the Vice-President, the Constitution does not provide any method of succession, apart from a fresh election. However, in such event, the Deputy Chairman can function as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Ques 3. When is the election of the Office of Vice-President of India held? 

Ans. Under the provisions of sub-section (3) of section 4 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, the notification under sub-section (1) of section 4 of the said Act calling the election can be issued by the Election commission on or after the sixtieth day before the expiry of the term of office of the outgoing Vice-President. The election schedule shall be so fixed that the Vice-President elect is able to enter upon the office on the day following the expiry of the term of the outgoing Vice-president.

Ques 4. What is the legal framework for the election to the office of Vice-President of India? 

Ans. Election to the office of Vice-President of India is governed by the provisions contained in Articles 64 to 68 of the Constitution of India and the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952 and the Rules made thereunder.

Ques 5. Who conducts the election to the Office of Vice-President of India? 

Ans. Under Article 324 of the Constitution of India, the authority to conduct elections to the Office of Vice-President is vested in the Election Commission of India. 

Ques 6. What electoral system/process is adopted for the election to the office of the Vice-President? 

Ans. As per Article 66(1) of the Constitution of India, the election of the Vice-President shall be held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote and the voting at such election shall be by secret ballot. 

Ques 7. What are the Qualifications required by a candidate to contest the election to the Office of the Vice-President of India? 

Ans. A candidate should satisfy the following requirements to contest the election to the Office of Vice-President:- 

1. Must be a citizen of India. 
2. Must have completed 35 years of age. 
3. Must be eligible to be a member of the Rajya Sabha. 
4. Must not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State or under any local or other authority subject to the control of any of the said Governments. {The offices of President and Vice-President, Governor of any State and Ministers of Union or State are not deemed to be office of profit for this purpose} 

Ques 8. Apart from the above what are the conditions to be fulfilled by a candidate for his nomination to be valid? 

Ans. Nomination paper of a candidate for the election in the prescribed form (Form 3 appended to the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974) has to be subscribed by at least twenty electors as proposers and at least twenty electors as seconders and has to be presented to the Returning Officer, between 11 AM and 3 PM on any day appointed for the purpose, either by the candidate himself or by any of his proposers or seconders. The Security Deposit for the election of Rs.15000/- should also be deposited either in cash with the Returning Officer or a receipt showing that the amount has been deposited by the candidate or on his behalf in the Reserve Bank of India or in a Government Treasury should be furnished along with the nomination paper. The candidate is also required to furnish a certified copy of the entry showing his name in the current electoral roll for the Parliamentary Constituency in which the candidate is registered as an elector.

Ques 9. Who is appointed the Returning Officer/Assistant Returning Officer for the election to the Office of Vice-President of India? Who makes such appointment? 

Ans. By convention, the Secretary General, Lok Sabha or the Secretary General, Rajya Sabha is appointed as the Returning Officer, by rotation. Two other senior officers of the Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha Secretariat are appointed as the Assistant Returning Officers. The Election Commission of India makes such appointments. {For the current (2012) election to the Office of Vice-President, the Secretary General, Lok Sabha has been appointed as the Returning Officer}

Ques 10. What is the colour and form of ballot papers used in the election to the office of the Vice-President? 

Ans. Ballot papers for Vice-Presidential elections are printed in pink colour. The ballot papers are printed with two columns-first column containing the names of the candidates and, the second column, for making preference by the elector for each such candidate. The ballot papers are printed in Hindi and English.

Ques 11. How is the value of votes of members of the Electoral College calculated? 

Ans. Unlike the Presidential election (where the value of votes cast by the Members of Parliament and of the various State Legislative Assemblies is different), the value of every vote cast in the Vice-Presidential election has the same value i.e. 1(one). 

Ques 12. What is the manner/procedure for recording votes at an election to the office of Vice-President? 

Ans. In accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote, every elector can mark as many preferences, as there are candidates contesting the election. These preferences for the candidates are to be marked by the elector, by placing the figures 1,2,3,4, 5 and so on, against the names of the candidates, in the order of preference, in the space provided in column 2 of the ballot paper. The preference can be indicated in international form of Indian numerals or in the form used in any Indian language or in Roman form but the preferences cannot be indicated in words like ‘one’, ‘two’, ‘first preference’, second preference, etc. 

Ques 13. Are the provision of the Anti-Defection Law applicable in Vice-presidential Elections? 

Ans. No. Members of the Electoral College can vote according to their choice/wish and are not bound by any party whip. The voting is by secret ballot.

Ques 14. Are Nominated Members of either House of Parliament eligible to vote at the election to the Office of Vice-President?

Ans. Yes. All members of both Houses of Parliament including Nominated members are members of the Electoral College. Therefore, nominated members can vote.

Ques 15. Can an elector at a Vice-Presidential election exercise his vote by proxy?

Ans. No.

Ques 16. Can a disabled or illiterate elector in a Vice-Presidential election take the help of a companion to record his vote? 

Ans. No. Unlike in Parliamentary and Assembly election, an elector cannot take the help of a companion. He must take the assistance of the Presiding Officer to record his vote.

Ques 17. Can an elector vote by post at the Vice-Presidential election for any reason, like illness, business occupation etc.? 

Ans. No. Only a voter under preventive detention can vote by post.

Ques 18. How can an elector who is under preventive detention during the period of Vice-Presidential election cast his vote? 

Ans. An elector under preventive detention can cast his vote through postal ballot. For that purpose, the government concerned will intimate his name, his place of detention and other relevant particulars to the Commission and the Commission will send the postal ballot paper to the elector concerned.

Ques 19. Is the winner in a Vice-Presidential election elected on the basis of obtaining simple majority? Or by securing a specified quota of votes? 

  Ans. As the Vice-Presidential election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote, every elector has as many preferences as candidate contesting the elections. The winning candidate has to secure the required quota of votes to be declared elected, is 50% of the valid votes cast +(plus) 1.

Ques 20. Is it compulsory for an elector at a Vice-Presidential election to mark his preference for all candidates? 

Ans. No. Only the marking of first preference is compulsory for a ballot paper to be valid. Marking other preferences is optional.

Ques 21. What are the grounds for rejection of the ballot papers? 

Ans. The Returning Officer shall reject a ballot paper as invalid on which: 

1. The figure 1 is not marked; or 2. The figure 1 is marked against the name of more than one candidate or is marked in a manner which renders it doubtful as to which candidate it is intended to apply; or 3. The figure 1 and some other figure is marked against the name of a candidate; or 4. any mark is made by which the elector may be identified. 

A ballot paper may be invalidated if the preferences is marked in words like one, two, three or first preference, second preference, third preference, etc. instead of in figures 1, 2, 3 etc. A postal ballot may be rejected if the signature of the elector on the declaration and the attestation form received with the ballot paper is not duly attested by the authority specified in such form (who is normally the officer-in-charge of the jail or the place of detention).

Ques 22. When is the security deposit of a candidate in a Vice-Presidential Election forfeited? 

Ans. The Security deposit shall be forfeited if the candidate is not elected and the number of valid votes polled by him does not exceed one-sixth of the number of votes necessary to secure return of a candidate at such election. In other cases, the deposit will be returned to the candidate. 

Ques 23. Can the results of the election to the Office of Vice-President be challenged? If so, what is the proper procedure for doing so? 

Ans. Yes. An election to the Office of the Vice-President can be called in question by means of an election petition presented to the Supreme Court. Such election petition should be presented by a candidate or ten or more electors joined together, and may be presented at any time after the date of publication of the declaration containing the name of the returned candidate at the election under Section 12 (of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952), but not later than 30 days from the date of such publication.

UPSC Prelims Multiple Choice Questions

1. With reference to the election of the Vice-President of India, consider the following statements:

1. Both elected and nominated members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha form part of the Electoral College.
2. Members of State Legislative Assemblies are also part of the Electoral College.
3. The election is conducted by the Election Commission of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3 

Ans. (c) 1 and 3 only

The Electoral College for electing the Vice-President includes members of both Houses of Parliament (elected and nominated). Members of State Legislative Assemblies have no role in it (unlike in the Presidential election). The Election Commission of India conducts the election under Article 324.

2. Who among the following are eligible to vote in the Vice-Presidential election?

1. Only elected members of Parliament
2. Only elected members of both Houses and elected members of State Legislative Assemblies
3. All members (elected and nominated) of both Houses of Parliament
4. Only nominated members of the Rajya Sabha

Ans 2. (c) All members (elected and nominated) of both Houses of Parliament

The Electoral College for the Vice-President consists of all members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated members. This is unlike the Presidential election, where nominated members do not take part.

3. Which one of the following statements is correct regarding the voting system used in the Vice-Presidential election in India?

1. First-past-the-post system with secret ballot
2. Proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote and secret ballot
3. Open ballot system with weighted votes
4. Direct election by the people on the basis of adult suffrage 

Ans 3. (b) Proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote and secret ballot

As per Article 66(1) of the Constitution, the election of the Vice-President is held through proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote and secret ballot system.

4. Consider the following about the Vice-President of India:

1. He is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
2. He can hold office beyond 5 years until his successor enters upon office.
3. In case of vacancy, the Constitution allows the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha to act as Vice-President.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3 
   

Ans 4. (a) 1 and 2 only

The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Article 64). His normal term is 5 years, but he continues until a successor takes over. However, in case of vacancy, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha does not become Vice-President but can function as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. A fresh election is required for Vice-President.

5. With reference to the nomination of candidates for the Vice-Presidential election, consider the following conditions:

1. A candidate’s nomination must be supported by at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders from the Electoral College.
2. A security deposit of Rs.15,000 must be made along with the nomination papers.
3. The candidate must submit a certified copy of the electoral roll showing his name as a voter.

Which of the above conditions are mandatory for a valid nomination?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
   

5. (d) 1, 2 and 3

All three conditions are compulsory: proposer/seconder requirement, ₹15,000 security deposit, and certified electoral roll copy. If not fulfilled, the nomination becomes invalid.

6. With reference to the salary and allowances of the Vice-President of India, consider the following statements:

1. The salary of the Vice-President is same as that of the President. 
2. In 2018, the salary of the Vice-President was raised from ₹1.25 lakh to ₹4 lakh.
3. Before the 2018 revision, the salary of the Vice-President was less than that of top bureaucrats and service chiefs. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 2 only
4. 1 and 3 only 
   

6. (b) 2 and 3 only

• The President’s salary (₹5 lakh) is higher than that of the Vice-President (₹4 lakh), so Statement 1 is wrong.
• The salary of the Vice-President is not the same as the President.
• In fact, the Vice-President’s salary is fixed lower than the President’s, since the President is the highest constitutional authority in India.
• However, when the Vice-President acts as President (Article 65), he/she enjoys all the powers, immunities, emoluments, allowances and privileges of the President during that period.
• In 2018, the Vice-President’s salary was increased from ₹1.25 lakh to ₹4 lakh.
• Before the revision, these constitutional salaries were indeed lower than those of top bureaucrats and armed forces chiefs. 

7. According to the Vice-President’s Pension Act, 1997, which of the following provisions are correct?

1. The pension of a retired Vice-President is fixed at 50% of the salary last drawn.
2. After the death of a Vice-President, their spouse is entitled to half of the pension amount.
3. A former Vice-President is entitled to rent-free furnished residence, medical care, and certain secretarial staff support.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3 

Ans 7. (d) 1, 2 and 3

• The Act provides for a lifetime pension at the rate of 50% of the Vice-President’s salary.
• After their death, the spouse is entitled to 50% of the pension.
• A retired Vice-President also enjoys rent-free furnished residence, medical care, travel facilities, and a secretarial staff (PS, APS, PA, and peons).

UPSC Mains Basic Questions

1. Discuss the role and significance of the Vice-President of India in the Indian political system.
̧ Answer Framework:

• Introduction:
  • The Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional office under Article 63
    of the Constitution.
  • He acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and serves as a crucial link in
    legislative functioning.
• Body:
  • Constitutional Position & Role
    • Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha (Art. 64) – presides over proceedings,
      maintains order, and ensures smooth legislative functioning.
    • Succession Role – discharges functions of the President in case of vacancy, until a
      new President is elected (Art. 65).
    • Election & Tenure – elected by members of both Houses of Parliament (including
      nominated), tenure of 5 years, can continue till successor assumes office.
  • Significance in Parliamentary Democracy
    • Provides neutrality in Rajya Sabha proceedings, balancing government and
      opposition.
    • Ensures representation of states (since Rajya Sabha is the federal chamber).
    • Key role in times of political instability, as he may step in as acting President.
  • Limitations
    • No role in Lok Sabha functioning.
    • Largely a ceremonial post outside Parliament, with minimal executive powers
      compared to the President.

Examples:

• • Jagdeep Dhankhar (14th VP) often emphasized decorum in Rajya Sabha amid disruptions.
  • C.P. Radhakrishnan, elected as the 15th Vice-President (2025), has vowed to strengthen Parliament’s deliberative role.
• Conclusion:
• The Vice-President, though not as powerful as the President or Prime Minister, plays a stabilizing and moderating role in the polity. His impartiality in Rajya Sabha strengthens parliamentary democracy. With increasing political polarization, the importance of a non-partisan Vice-President has become more critical for India’s democratic functioning.

2. Discuss the constitutional provisions related to the office of the Vice-President of India.
How does the office ensure continuity in the Indian political system?

Answer Framework:

• Introduction:
  • The Vice-President of India holds the second-highest constitutional office (Article 63).
  • He serves as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and acts as President in
    contingencies.
• Body:
  • Constitutional Provisions
    • Articles 63–71 deal with the Vice-President.
    • Election: Article 66 – elected by both Houses of Parliament using proportional representation (single transferable vote) by secret ballot.
    • Eligibility: Citizen of India, minimum 35 years of age, qualified for Rajya Sabha (Art. 66(3)).
    • Term: 5 years (Art. 67), continues till successor assumes office.
    • Removal: Rajya Sabha resolution with simple majority + Lok Sabha agreement.
  • Role in Continuity
    • Acts as Chairman of Rajya Sabha, ensuring legislative continuity.
    • Functions as acting President in case of vacancy, absence, illness, or resignation of the President (Art. 65).
    • Holds powers, privileges, and immunities of the President during this period.

Examples:

• • 1969: V.V. Giri functioned as Acting President after Zakir Husain’s death.
  • 2025: CP Radhakrishnan elected as the 15th Vice-President, highlighting the smooth
    succession process.
• Conclusion:
  The Vice-President is not merely a ceremonial figure; he ensures parliamentary stability
  and executive continuity in the highest office. This reflects the Constitution’s foresight in
  safeguarding India against sudden constitutional crises.

Advanced UPSC Mains Questions

1. Critically examine the process of election of the Vice-President of India. Do you think reforms are needed to strengthen this office?

✔ Answer Framework:

• Introduction:

• • The Vice-President of India is elected under Articles 66 and 67, governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
  • He is elected by members of both Houses of Parliament using proportional representation by single transferable vote (STV).

• Body:

• • Election Process – Strengths

◈ Inclusive Electoral College – all MPs, including nominated members, take part.

◈ Secret Ballot & STV – ensures independent voting free from party whips.

◈ Uniform Vote Value – unlike Presidential election, every MP’s vote has equal value.

• • Challenges & Criticisms

◈ Lack of Wider Representation – unlike Presidential election, State Legislatures have no role → limited federal character.

◈ Ruling Party’s Numerical Advantage – makes outcome predictable, reducing competitiveness.

◈ Symbolic Role – election does not translate into greater executive authority.

• • Need for Reforms

◈ Wider federal role – allow State Assemblies to participate for greater legitimacy.

◈ Improve deliberative neutrality – ensure Vice-President is insulated from party politics after election.

◈ Strengthen Rajya Sabha – give VP more powers to ensure accountability and reduce disruptions.

Examples:

• C.P. Radhakrishnan’s victory (2025) was seen as a foregone conclusion due to ruling alliance’s numerical strength.
• The debate around making the office more federal in nature resurfaces before every election.

• Conclusion:

While the current election system ensures stability and prevents deadlocks, it tilts in favor of the ruling party at the Centre. To strengthen India’s federal and democratic ethos, reforms in the Vice-Presidential election process could enhance the legitimacy and neutrality of this high constitutional office.

2. The Vice-President of India is often seen as a “ceremonial office” with limited powers. Critically evaluate this statement and suggest reforms to strengthen the relevance of the office.

✔ Answer Framework:

• Introduction:

• • The Vice-President ranks second in the order of precedence, but his executive role is minimal compared to the President or Prime Minister.
  • While crucial in Rajya Sabha, his influence outside Parliament is often questioned.

• Body:

• • Why considered ceremonial?

◈ Primarily presides over Rajya Sabha (like the Speaker in Lok Sabha).

◈ Does not hold independent executive or legislative powers.

◈ Election often seen as a foregone conclusion, due to ruling party’s dominance in Parliament.

• • Why still relevant?

◈ Ensures discipline and neutrality in Rajya Sabha (upper chamber of Parliament).

◈ Provides constitutional continuity as acting President in emergencies.

◈ Symbol of federal and parliamentary democracy.

• • Concerns & Limitations

◈ Lack of federal representation in his election (no role for State Assemblies).

◈ Seen as a political reward post, undermining neutrality.

◈ Frequent disruptions in Rajya Sabha weaken the VP’s authority.

• • Suggested Reforms

◈ Broaden electoral base by involving State Legislatures → gives federal legitimacy.

◈ Strengthen Rajya Sabha rules to empower VP in disciplining members.

◈ Consider restricting candidates with active party positions to maintain neutrality.

Examples:

• • Jagdeep Dhankhar (14th VP) struggled with frequent opposition walkouts in Rajya Sabha.
  • Calls for reform gain momentum before each election; CP Radhakrishnan’s 2025 win also sparked debates on neutrality.

• Conclusion:

While the Vice-President’s powers are limited, dismissing the office as merely ceremonial undermines its parliamentary and constitutional significance. With suitable reforms, the office can evolve into a more credible and stabilizing pillar of Indian democracy.

UPSC Interview-Based Questions

1. Who elects the Vice-President of India?

✔ Answer:

• The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament, including nominated members.
• State legislatures do not participate in this election, unlike in the case of the President.
• This reflects the VP’s role being more connected with Parliament than federal representation.

2. What is the main role of the Vice-President in the Indian Constitution?
✔ Answer:

• The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and maintains order in its
  proceedings.
• He also discharges the functions of the President in case of a vacancy until a new President is elected.
• His role is more parliamentary than executive.

3. Why are nominated members allowed to vote in Vice-Presidential elections but
not in Presidential elections?
✔ Answer:

• Because the Vice-President’s primary function is within Parliament (Rajya Sabha), not federal representation.
• Presidential elections include State Legislatures, hence nominated members are excluded.
• This distinction underlines the federal vs. parliamentary nature of the two offices.

4. Do you think the Vice-President’s role is largely ceremonial?
✔ Answer:

• While the VP has limited executive powers, his role in Rajya Sabha is crucial for ensuring
  legislative balance.
• In times of political instability, he may act as President, making his position significant.
• Thus, the office is not merely ceremonial but a constitutional safeguard.

5. Should reforms be made in the election of the Vice-President to make it more federal?
✔ Answer:

• Currently, only MPs vote, which gives the ruling party an upper hand.
• Including State Assemblies could add federal legitimacy but may complicate the process.
• Reforms should balance stability, neutrality, and representation.