Question map
Consider the following statements: 1. The Vice-President of India, as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides over the proceedings of the House, but as the Vice-President as such, no functions have been assigned to him in the Constitution. 2. While acting as the President of India, the Vice-President shall not perform the duties of the office of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct as the Vice-President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha [c3][t1]. The Constitution does not assign any specific functions to the Vice-President in their capacity as Vice-President; their primary constitutional roles are to preside over the Upper House and act as President during vacancies [c5][t5]. Statement 2 is also correct based on Article 64 and Article 65 of the Constitution. When the Vice-President acts as the President or discharges the functions of the President, they cease to perform the duties of the office of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha [c1][t2]. During such periods, the duties of the Chairman are performed by the Deputy Chairman, and the Vice-President is not entitled to the salary or allowances of the Chairman [c2][t2]. Thus, both statements accurately reflect the constitutional provisions governing the dual capacity of the office.
Sources
- [1] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 19: Vice President > POWERS AND FUNCTIONS > p. 206
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 19: Vice-President > POWERS AND FUNCTIONS > p. 206
- [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Chairman of Ra;ya Sabha > p. 233
- [4] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 19: Vice-President > POWERS AND FUNCTIONS > p. 205
- [5] https://cms.rajyasabha.nic.in/careers_documents/1611147317407.09_Ex-officio-position.pdf
- [6] https://cms.rajyasabha.nic.in/careers_documents/1611147231706.38_An%20envisaged%20in%20the%20Constitution%20of%20India.pdf
- [7] https://www.britannica.com/topic/vice-president-of-India