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The Vice-President Notes with PDF

By October 4, 2025 Educational Resources 0 Comments

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Election of the Vice-President of India

1. The Electoral College

  • Composition: The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of all elected and nominated members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
  • Key Exclusion: Members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) are not part of the electoral college for the Vice-President.

2. The Election Process

  • System Used: The election follows the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
  • Voting Method: The voting is conducted by secret ballot.

3. Comparison with the President’s Election

  • Similarity: Both the President and the Vice-President are elected indirectly.
  • Difference: The electoral college is different:
    • The President is elected by MPs (Members of Parliament) and MLAs (Members of Legislative Assemblies).
    • The Vice-President is elected only by MPs (Members of both Houses of Parliament).

Eligibility & Qualifications

A candidate must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a citizen of India.
  • Be at least 35 years of age.
  • Be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
  • Note: Qualification for membership of the Lok Sabha is not a requirement.

Term of Office, Removal & Resignation

Term of Office

  • The Vice-President holds office for a term of 5 years.
  • They can remain in office beyond the 5-year term until a successor assumes charge.

Removal Process

  • The Vice-President can be removed from office.
  • A formal impeachment process (as used for the President) is not used.
  • Process:
    1. A resolution for removal can only be initiated in the Rajya Sabha.
    2. A 14-day advance notice is mandatory before moving such a resolution.
    3. The resolution must be passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha.
    4. The resolution must then be agreed to by the Lok Sabha.

Role, Functions & Importance

Constitutional Role

  • The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
  • They preside over the sessions and proceedings of the Rajya Sabha but are not a member of it.

Executive Role

  • The Vice-President is the second-highest constitutional dignitary in India.
  • They discharge the functions of the President during the President’s absence, illness, or any other form of inability.
  • They act as President if the office falls vacant due to resignation, removal, or death. They serve in this capacity until a new President is elected and assumes office.

Historical Facts (List of Vice-Presidents)

  • Mohammad Hamid Ansari was the 12th Vice-President of India (served from 2007 to 2017).
  • Other notable Vice-Presidents include M. Hidayatullah and Shankar Dayal Sharma.
  • Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and Neelam Sanjiva Reddy became President but were not Vice-Presidents.
  • Some Vice-Presidents held diplomatic posts before their tenure; for example, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan and V.V. Giri served as Ambassador/High Commissioner.

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