GS 2 – POLITY
Constitutional Provision
- Article 63: Provides for the office of the Vice President of India.
- Article 64: Deals with the role of the Vice President in acting as President in case of vacancy.
- Article 66: Specifies the election process of the Vice President.
Term and Eligibility
- Term: 5 years, renewable.
- Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- At least 35 years of age.
- Qualified to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
- Should not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or any state government.
Election Process
- Electoral College:
- Comprises members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha).
- Unlike the President’s election, state legislative assemblies are not included.
- Voting System:
- Single transferable vote (STV) system.
- Proportional representation by secret ballot.
- Nomination:
- Requires a proposer and a seconder (both must be members of Parliament).
- Deposit of Rs. 15,000.
Powers and Functions
- Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha:
- Presides over sessions of Rajya Sabha.
- Maintains order and decorum.
- Acting President:
- Assumes President’s responsibilities in case of vacancy, absence, or illness.
- No executive powers beyond chairing Rajya Sabha and acting as President when required.
Distinction from President
| Feature | President | Vice President |
| Electoral College | MPs + MLAs | Only MPs |
| Role | Head of State | Deputy to President & Chairman of Rajya Sabha |
| Executive Powers | Yes | Limited |
| Acting as President | Only if President unavailable | Yes, automatically |