The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is the Vice-President of India, who acts as the ex-officio presiding officer of the Upper House of Parliament. The Chairman ensures that the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha are conducted according to the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure, while maintaining order and discipline in the House.
Constitutional Provisions
Several constitutional articles define the position and powers of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha:
- Article 63 – Provides for the office of the Vice-President of India.
- Article 64 – The Vice-President shall be the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- Article 89 – The Rajya Sabha shall have a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman. The Chairman is the Vice-President, while the Deputy Chairman is elected from among the members of the Rajya Sabha.
Election of the Vice-President
Since the Vice-President functions as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the method of electing the Vice-President determines who becomes the Chairman.
- The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
- State Legislative Assemblies do not participate in this election.
- The election is conducted through proportional representation using the single transferable vote system.
- Voting takes place through a secret ballot.
Qualifications
A person must fulfill the following conditions to be eligible for election as Vice-President (and therefore Chairman of Rajya Sabha):
- Must be a citizen of India
- Must have completed 35 years of age
- Must be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha
- Must not hold any office of profit under the Government of India, any state government, or any public authority.
Term of Office
- The Vice-President holds office for a term of five years from the date of entering office.
- The Vice-President continues in office until the successor assumes charge, even if the five-year term has expired.
- The Vice-President may resign by submitting a resignation letter to the President of India.
Removal
The Vice-President (and therefore the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha) can be removed through a special procedure:
- A resolution must be passed in the Rajya Sabha by an effective majority.
- The resolution must then be agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
- A 14-day notice must be given before moving such a resolution.
Powers and Functions of the Chairman
The Chairman performs several key functions to ensure the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha.
1. Presiding over the House
The Chairman conducts the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha and ensures that debates follow parliamentary rules.
2. Maintaining Order and Discipline
The Chairman maintains decorum in the House and may take action against members who violate rules or disrupt proceedings.
3. Interpreting Rules of Procedure
The Chairman interprets and enforces the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Rajya Sabha.
4. Deciding Points of Order
If members raise a point of order, the Chairman decides whether it is valid.
5. Admitting Questions and Motions
The Chairman decides the admissibility of questions, resolutions, motions, and discussions raised by members.
6. Casting Vote
The Chairman does not normally vote in the House. However, in the event of a tie, the Chairman exercises a casting vote.
7. Referring Matters to Committees
The Chairman may refer bills and issues to parliamentary committees for detailed scrutiny.
Limitations of the Chairman
- The Chairman is not a member of the Rajya Sabha because he holds the office in the capacity of Vice-President.
- Therefore, the Chairman does not participate in debates.
- The Chairman also does not vote in normal circumstances, except when there is a tie.
Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha
The Deputy Chairman is elected by the members of the Rajya Sabha from among themselves.
- The Deputy Chairman presides over the House in the absence of the Chairman.
- If both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman are absent, a member from the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons presides over the sitting.
Significance of the Chairman
The Chairman plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Upper House of Parliament. By maintaining neutrality, enforcing parliamentary rules, and protecting the rights of members, the Chairman ensures that legislative debates remain orderly and effective.Thus, the office of the Chairman is essential for maintaining discipline, democratic debate, and efficient legislative functioning in the Rajya Sabha.
