Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha. (UPSC 2022)(12 MARKS)
As the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President of India plays a pivotal role in the functioning of one of the houses of Parliament. Here are the key aspects of the Vice-President's role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha:
Presiding Officer: The Vice-President, in their capacity as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, acts as the presiding officer during the sessions of the House. This role involves maintaining order, ensuring that parliamentary procedures are followed, and giving members the opportunity to voice their opinions and participate in debates.
Decision Making: The Chairman has the authority to make rulings on points of order, interpretation of rules, and other procedural matters that arise during the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha. These rulings are crucial in maintaining decorum and facilitating productive discussions in the House.
Conducting Debates: The Vice-President oversees and facilitates debates on various issues, including legislative matters, policy discussions, and matters of national importance. They ensure that debates are conducted in a fair and orderly manner, allowing all members to express their views within the framework of parliamentary rules.
Casting Vote: In the event of a tie during voting on a bill or motion in the Rajya Sabha, the Chairman (Vice-President) has the authority to cast a deciding vote. This underscores the importance of the Chairman's impartiality and ability to make informed decisions when required.
Committee Appointments: The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha plays a role in appointing members to various parliamentary committees. These committees are instrumental in examining specific issues, scrutinizing legislation, and making recommendations for parliamentary action.
Representative Role: As the Vice-President, who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, they represent the upper house of Parliament in official functions, interactions with other branches of government, and on national and international platforms.
Bridge Between Houses: The Vice-President acts as a bridge between the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, facilitating communication and coordination between the two houses of Parliament. This is important for the smooth functioning of the legislative process and ensuring effective governance.
Overall, the role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is multifaceted, encompassing responsibilities related to parliamentary procedure, decision-making, representation, and fostering constructive debates and discussions within the upper house of Parliament.
