Powers and responsibilities of Vice President of India

The office of Vice President of India is the second highest constitutional post in the country after the President, according to the Constitution of India. The Vice President takes over the responsibility of the President in his/her absence due to resignation, impeachment or other situations. He/she is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of the Parliament.

Powers and responsibilities

As the Vice President is the second highest dignitary in the country, he/she has certain powers and responsibilities:

• He/she takes over the responsibilities during the absence of the President of India.

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• He/she is responsible for the protection of the rights of and privileges of the members of the Council of States.

• The Vice President acts as the President if the highest constitutional post falls vacant due to any reason.

• While acting as the President, he/she has the equal powers, immunities and privileges to that of the President.

• The Vice President is the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

• It is the responsibility of the Vice President to decide whether a bill introduced in the Rajya Sabha is a financial bill or not.

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