Why in the News?

Recently, a motion has been introduced in the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar from his role as Chairman of the House.

About

• The Vice-President holds the second-highest office in India, ranked next to the President in the official order of precedence.
• Modeled after the American Vice-President, their primary role is to preside over the Rajya Sabha and occasionally assume the President’s duties in extraordinary situations.

Election Process

• Indirect Election: Like the President, the Vice-President is elected indirectly by an electoral college comprising the members of both Houses of Parliament (elected and nominated members).
• Differences from Presidential Election:
  • The Vice-President's electoral college includes nominated members of Parliament, unlike the President’s election.
  • State legislative assemblies do not participate in the Vice-President’s election, as their role pertains primarily to state-level governance and not the Union Council of States (Rajya Sabha).

Qualifications for the Vice-President of India

To be eligible for election as the Vice-President, a candidate must meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India.
2. Minimum Age: Should be at least 35 years old.
3. Membership Qualification: Must qualify to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
4. Office of Profit Restriction: Should not hold any office of profit under the Union or state government, local authority, or any public authority.