NEWS – C P Radhakrishnan Elected 15th Vice-President of India

HIGHLIGHTS

Election and Office

• C P Radhakrishnan, former Tamil Nadu BJP chief and current Maharashtra Governor, elected as the 15th Vice-President of India.
• The Vice-President is the second-highest constitutional office, ranking just after the President.
• Article 63: Provides for the office of Vice-President.
• Article 64: He is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
• Article 65: Acts as President in case of vacancy or absence of the President.

Election Process (Article 66)

• Elected by an Electoral College consisting of both Houses of Parliament.
• Members vote through proportional representation by single transferable vote and secret ballot.
• Current strength of Electoral College: 782 MPs.
• A Vice-President cannot be a member of Parliament or State Legislature; on election, the seat is vacated.

Eligibility & Term

• Must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, and eligible for Rajya Sabha membership.
• Cannot hold any office of profit under government.
• Holds office for five years but continues until successor assumes charge (Article 67).
• Can resign to the President or be removed by a Rajya Sabha resolution, agreed to by the Lok Sabha.

Disputes (Article 71)

• Supreme Court decides all disputes relating to election.
• Acts done before a court verdict remain valid.
• Parliament can regulate matters related to the election.

Salary, Pension & Perks

• Salary: ₹4 lakh/month (2018 revision).
• Pension: 50% of salary for life, spouse receives half after death.
• Entitled to a furnished residence, medical care, travel allowances, and dedicated secretarial staff.