Executive Powers of Vice President

The second-highest constitutional position in India is that of the vice president. The vice president does have some significant executive authority. The nomination of senior officials and the execution of oaths of office are the main responsibilities of these powers.

There must be a Vice-President of India, according to Article 63 of the Indian Constitution. In accordance with the constitution, the Vice-President is a member of the Executive. The Vice-President of India now serves in two capacities: one as the Presiding Officer of the Upper House of Parliament and the other as the second head of the Executive.

Who can be a Vice President of India?

A citizen of India who is 35 years of age or older is eligible for the position of vice president. A candidate must also meet the requirements for election to the Rajya Sabha in order to be eligible to run for vice president. The Vice President of India may not hold a position with financial gain. The requirements for this position are comparable to those for the presidency.

Who participates in the Vice President election?

An electoral college comprising the below-given categories of people elects the Vice President. The mode of election hence is termed an ‘indirect election’. The principle of election used is Proportional Representation by means of a Single Transferrable Vote.

• Elected members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

• Nominated members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

There can be no more than 2 nominated members in Lok Sabha and 12 in Rajya Sabha.

State Legislative Assemblies in case of unilateral legislatures and State legislative councils along with Assemblies in case of bilateral legislatures; don’t participate in the election of Vice President

Who is qualified to become Vice President of India?

A citizen of India who has reached the age of 35 is eligible to serve as vice president of India if he is also eligible to serve as a member of the Rajya Sabha. He must not, however, hold a seat in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, and if he is elected vice president while holding a seat in either of the houses, he is presumed to have given up that seat on the day he assumed office. Additionally, he is not permitted to occupy any profit-making positions in the union, state, public sector, or municipal government.

What is the term of office of Vice President?

Vice President holds the job for a period of five years starting on the day he starts working there. He may, however, leave earlier than five years by submitting his resignation to the President. Below are some other cases in which the position of the vice president can become vacant −

• When he completes his term of five years

• When he resigns

• When he is removed

• On his death

• When his election is declared void

Is Vice President also impeached as President of India?

No, the Vice President cannot be formally impeached, in contrast to the President of India, who can. A resolution can easily be passed by the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha with a majority. There is also no provision in the constitution for the removal of the Vice President of India, in contrast to the President of India who can be impeached for "Violation of Constitution."

Executive Powers of the Vice President

Major executive powers of the vice president are −

• The vice president's ability to assume the presidency in the event of the president's absence, resignation, or demise is one of his or her most important administrative authorities. In these situations, the vice president becomes the president in the interim, pending the election of a new leader. This is a significant duty because it guarantees that the nation will have a steady and capable leader through difficult times.

• The ability to nominate senior officials to various posts is one of the Vice President's most significant executive powers. For instance, the Vice President has the authority to designate the Chairman and members of the Union Public Service Commission, which is in charge of selecting candidates for positions in the federal and state civil services. This is a significant duty since it gives the vice president the opportunity to influence the composition of India's civil service and make sure that it is staffed with talented and competent people.

• The Chairman and staff of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat may be chosen by the Vice President as well. The Rajya Sabha Secretariat is in charge of the administrative and procedural operations of the upper house of Parliament, hence this is a significant duty. The Vice President can contribute to ensuring that the Rajya Sabha operates successfully and efficiently by nominating qualified individuals to these roles.

• It is the Vice President's duty to administer the oath of office to the President and the Union Council of Ministers members. This is a crucial duty because it ensures that senior leaders are held to the highest standards of morality and professionalism.

• Convening and presiding over Inter-State Council meetings is one of the Vice President's key executive powers. To encourage collaboration and coordination between the states and the Union government, the Inter-State Council was established as a constitutional entity. The Vice President can contribute to ensuring that the Inter-State Council operates successfully and that the concerns of the states are handled in a timely and effective way by calling and presiding over these meetings.

• The Vice President is also charged with certain significant diplomatic duties. The Vice President, for instance, is frequently asked to represent India at significant international gatherings and to meet with foreign leaders. The Vice President can advance India's interests on the international stage by serving as the nation's representative in this capacity and strengthening India's diplomatic ties.

Conclusion

The vice president of India holds certain significant executive powers while serving mostly in a ceremonial capacity. These responsibilities include major diplomatic duties, the authority to nominate high-level officials to various posts, the authority to call and preside over meetings of the Inter-State Council, and the authority to serve in the President's absence, resignation, or death. With the aid of these authorities, India is better able to maintain a strong and efficient government, a competent and capable civil service, and strong and efficient diplomatic ties.

Frequently Asked Question

Q1. Is there any provision for challenging the election of President or Vice-President?

Ans. Yes, according to Article 71 of the Constitution, if there is any dispute or issue regarding the election of the President or vice-president, then the Supreme Court will investigate and make a decision about any questions or disagreements relating to the election of a President or Vice President. Furthermore, an election petition may be submitted to the Supreme Court in accordance with section 14 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act of 1952.

Q2. What is the manner of election of Vice-President?

Ans. With a single transferred vote and a secret ballot, the election is conducted in accordance with the proportional representation method.

Q3. Will there be any situation in which the Vice-President demits office before the five-year term?

Ans. Yes, there can be two such circumstances. The Vice President can resign from his position in two ways: first, by submitting a letter to the President under his hand, and second, by being removed from office.