Understanding the Vice President of India: A Comprehensive Guide for Civil services Aspirants
Introduction: A Critical Juncture in Indian Constitutional Functioning
The unexpected resignation of Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice President of India on 21st July 2025 marks a pivotal moment in Indian constitutional history. While the position is often overshadowed by the prominence of the President or the political dynamism of the Prime Minister, the Vice President’s office holds intrinsic value in India’s democratic and parliamentary system. For UPSC Civil Services aspirants, this development presents an opportune moment to study the Vice President’s role with both theoretical and practical lenses.
This guide offers a comprehensive 360-degree understanding of the Vice President of India, covering constitutional provisions, responsibilities, election processes, historical evolution, and implications for governance—vital for both Prelims and Mains.
1. Constitutional Foundation: Second Pillar of Indian Republic
The Vice President’s office is established under Part V, Chapter I of the Constitution, particularly Articles 63 to 70. Article 63 states:
"There shall be a Vice-President of India."
This simple provision creates the second-highest constitutional authority in India. However, the brevity of its articulation in the Constitution belies the depth and importance of the position.
Key Highlights:
- The Vice President is not a part of the Union Executive (unlike the President, Prime Minister, or Council of Ministers).
- He serves a dual function:
- As Vice President: A stand-in for the President.
- As ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha: The Upper House of Parliament.
This duality makes the office unique—it blends legislative authority with constitutional continuity.
2. Powers, Responsibilities & Duties: Silent Sentinel of Parliamentary Democracy
Let’s examine the dual roles separately:
A. As Vice President of India
The Vice President's role here is largely dormant unless triggered by specific constitutional events:
- Acting President (Article 65): In case of death, resignation, removal, or inability of the President, the Vice President assumes office temporarily.
- Emergency Continuity: Ensures that the highest executive functions never fall vacant.
- No executive powers: Unlike the President, the Vice President does not head the Union Executive or take executive decisions.
This role is critical for ensuring institutional resilience and constitutional continuity in times of crisis.
B. As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
This is where the Vice President actively functions on a day-to-day basis:
- Presiding over sessions: Maintains decorum, order, and timing.
- Disciplinary powers: Can suspend members for unruly behavior.
- Rule interpretation: Authoritatively interprets the Rules of Procedure.
- Voting: Doesn’t vote, except in case of a tie (casting vote).
- Bridge between executive and legislature: Facilitates discussions, questions, and motions relevant to governance.
This role is instrumental in shaping federal parliamentary discourse.
3. Democratic Relevance: More Than a Backup Leader
The Vice President’s presence is essential in the broader functioning of Indian democracy. Here's why:
A. Legislative Balance
The Rajya Sabha represents states in Parliament, and the Vice President, by chairing it, becomes a key moderator in centre-state discourse.
B. Democratic Neutrality
While elected through a political process, the office is expected to function above party lines once assumed. The impartiality during debates and crucial votes underscores India’s democratic maturity.
C. Crisis Management
In 1969 and again in 1977, Vice Presidents stepped in to act as President, maintaining the democratic framework in times of uncertainty.
D. State Representation
Given the federal nature of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President plays a crucial part in upholding the federal character of Indian democracy.
4. Election, Eligibility, Resignation & Removal: Mechanisms of Entry & Exit
A. Election (Article 66)
- Electoral College: Comprises members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- State legislatures not included, unlike in Presidential elections.
- Voting: Proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
- Conducted by: The Election Commission of India.
This ensures bipartisan selection and represents national consensus.
B. Eligibility Criteria
As per Article 66:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Minimum age: 35 years.
- Must be eligible for Rajya Sabha membership.
- Must not hold any office of profit under the Government.
C. Term (Article 67)
- 5 years from date of assumption of office.
- Eligible for re-election.
D. Resignation & Removal
- Resignation: Must be submitted in writing to the President (Article 67(a)).
- Removal:
- By resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by absolute majority.
- Must be agreed upon by Lok Sabha with simple majority.
- 14-day prior notice mandatory.
- Grounds for removal not specified.
This ensures stability, while allowing Parliament to act if necessary.
5. After Resignation: What Happens?
When a Vice President resigns:
- No Acting Vice President provision exists.
- Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides over sessions until the new Vice President assumes charge.
- Election Process: Initiated by Election Commission; generally completed within 6 months.
- Presidency Unaffected: The President continues their duties.
This framework prevents a constitutional vacuum and ensures parliamentary continuity.
6. Vice President as Acting President: Exceptional But Crucial Role
As per Article 65, the Vice President discharges the functions of the President:
- If the office falls vacant.
- If the President is unable to discharge duties.
Key Examples:
- V.V. Giri (1969): Acted as President after Zakir Husain's demise.
- B.D. Jatti (1977): Acted as President following Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed’s death.
During this period:
- Vice President enjoys all powers, immunities, and salaries of the President.
- Rajya Sabha chairmanship delegated to Deputy Chairman.
This role reinforces institutional resilience.
7. Chronological List of Vice Presidents of India (1952–2025)
| S.No. | Name | Term |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. S. 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 | Mohammad 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 | 2022–2025 |
8. Prelims: MCQs for Practice
-
Which one of the following is NOT an eligibility criterion to be elected as Vice President? (a) Citizen of India
(b) 35 years of age
(c) Qualified for Lok Sabha
(d) No office of profit
Ans: (c) -
Vice President is elected by: (a) People of India
(b) Elected MPs only
(c) Members of State Assemblies
(d) Members of both Houses of Parliament
Ans: (d) -
What is the voting method in VP elections? (a) First-past-the-post
(b) Single transferable vote
(c) Plurality vote
(d) Secret party vote
Ans: (b) -
During the absence of the Vice President, who presides over Rajya Sabha? (a) Speaker of Lok Sabha
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha
(d) Chief Justice of India
Ans: (c) -
When VP acts as President, who chairs the Rajya Sabha? (a) Prime Minister
(b) Deputy Chairman
(c) Senior-most Minister
(d) Speaker of Lok Sabha
Ans: (b)
9. Mains Questions for Practice
-
Discuss the dual role of the Vice President of India. How does the office ensure continuity in India’s constitutional framework? (250 words)
-
Evaluate the role of the Vice President as Chairman of Rajya Sabha in ensuring federal balance and upholding democratic procedures. (250 words)
-
Compare the election processes of the President and Vice President. How do their different electoral colleges reflect their roles? (150 words)
-
Critically analyze the significance of Article 65. How has it been used in historical instances? (250 words)
-
In light of recent resignation, discuss the challenges posed by vacancy in the Vice President's office. How does the constitutional mechanism address such situations? (250 words)
Conclusion: The Vice President – Custodian of Balance
Though less glamorous, the Vice President's office is indispensable to India's parliamentary democracy. It acts as the constitutional safety valve, ensures the dignity of the Rajya Sabha, and preserves continuity at the highest level of governance. Civil Services aspirants must understand that the Vice President’s strength lies not in overt power but in silent yet effective guardianship of the Constitution.
In a world where politics is often dramatic, the Vice President's role stands out as a pillar of quiet authority and constitutional discipline.
Stay aware. Stay informed. And keep preparing with purpose.
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