Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Vice-President of India, currently Jagdeep Dhankhar, holds a unique constitutional position. While primarily tasked with succeeding the President in case of resignation, impeachment, or death, a crucial aspect of their role is serving as the *ex-officio* Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament. This position, enshrined in Article 67 of the Constitution, bestows upon the Vice-President significant responsibilities in shaping the legislative process and maintaining the decorum of the House. Understanding this role is vital as it directly impacts the functioning of India’s parliamentary democracy.
Constitutional Basis and Appointment
Article 67 of the Constitution designates the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Unlike the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, who is elected by the members of that House, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is not subject to a vote within the House. The Vice-President is elected by a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, following a vacancy due to the expiration of the term, resignation, or death of the incumbent. This ensures a degree of political consensus in the appointment.
Functions of the Chairman, Rajya Sabha
Legislative Functions
- Presiding over Sessions: The Chairman presides over Rajya Sabha sessions, maintaining order and ensuring the smooth conduct of business.
- Recognizing Members: The Chairman recognizes members to speak during debates and discussions.
- Interpreting Rules: The Chairman is the final authority on the interpretation of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Rajya Sabha.
- Certification of Bills: A bill passed by the Rajya Sabha is certified by the Chairman as having been duly passed by the House, a prerequisite for it to be presented to the President for assent.
Deliberative Functions
- Conducting Debates: The Chairman guides debates, ensuring they remain focused and within the parliamentary rules.
- Maintaining Decorum: A key responsibility is maintaining the decorum of the House, and the Chairman has the power to name members for disorderly conduct.
- Adjournment of the House: The Chairman can adjourn the House in case of disturbances or lack of quorum.
Judicial Functions
- Dispute Resolution: The Chairman acts as a quasi-judicial authority in resolving disputes regarding the eligibility of members or the validity of parliamentary proceedings.
- Referring Bills to Committees: The Chairman can refer bills to select committees for detailed scrutiny.
Powers and Limitations
The Chairman’s powers are largely procedural and aimed at facilitating the functioning of the Rajya Sabha. While they have significant control over the conduct of business, they do not have the power to vote in the House, except in the case of a tie. This is to maintain impartiality. However, the Chairman’s decisions regarding the interpretation of rules can be challenged, and occasionally have been, leading to debates about the extent of their authority.
Significance and Recent Debates
The role of the Chairman is crucial for ensuring effective parliamentary debate and scrutiny of legislation. A strong and impartial Chairman can contribute significantly to the quality of lawmaking. Recently, there have been debates regarding the use of the Chairman’s powers to curtail debates or to expedite the passage of bills, raising concerns about the erosion of parliamentary norms. The increasing frequency of disruptions in the Rajya Sabha also places a greater onus on the Chairman to maintain order and facilitate constructive dialogue.
| Function | Power Exercised | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Presiding over Sessions | Recognizing speakers, maintaining order | Cannot participate in debates or vote (except in case of a tie) |
| Interpreting Rules | Final authority on procedural matters | Decisions can be challenged and debated |
| Bill Certification | Confirms bill passage for Presidential assent | Must adhere to established procedures |
Conclusion
The Vice-President’s role as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is a cornerstone of India’s parliamentary system. It demands a delicate balance of impartiality, procedural expertise, and leadership. While the position’s powers are largely procedural, its effective exercise is vital for ensuring a productive and deliberative upper house. Maintaining the dignity and effectiveness of the Rajya Sabha, particularly in the face of increasing political polarization and disruptions, remains a significant challenge for the Chairman.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.