Polity Study Material: Vice President

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Vice-President

Method of Election

The Vice President is elected by the members of both Houses of Parliament at a joint session by means of single transferable vote according to the system of proportional representation. Voting is by secret ballot.

Qualifications:

  1. He must be a citizen of India.
  2. He must not be less than 35 years of age.
  3. He must be qualified to become a member of the Rajya Sabha.
  4. He should not be holding any office of profit under the Government.
  5. He should not be 8 member of either House of Parliament or State Legislature.

Terms of Office

The Vice President holds office for a maximum period of five years and is eligible for re-election.

Functions:

  1. The Vice President is ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
  2. If there occurs any vacancy in the office of President by reason of his death, resignation or removal. Then he acts as President till a new President is elected, subject to a maximum period of six months. During this period he ceases to be the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
  3. He also acts as the President during the temporary absence of the President due to illness or any other cause. Removal: The Vice President can be removed from his office by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha by a majority of its total membership and agreed to by the Lok Sabha by a simple majority.