The Vice-President of India

Our Constitution provides for the office of the Vice-President. He or she is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament. Eligibility the qualification for the office of the Vice-President are the same as those prescribed for the President except that the candidate should be qualified to become a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Term of Vice-President of India

The term of office of the Vice-President is five years. It may end earlier either by resignation in writing addressed to the President or by impeachment. The Vice-President may be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by a majority of its members and agreed to by the Lok Sabha by a majority.

Functions of Vice-President of India

The Vice-President functions as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. But if there is a vacancy in the office of the President because of resignation, removal or death, the Vice-President acts as the President until a new President is elected. In case of temporary absence of the President also, the vice-President discharges the functions of the President. At such times he ceases to perform the duties of the chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Read More: The Parliament: Functions - The Parliamentary System of Governance