Q. Discuss the role of the Vice – Presidents of India as the chairman of the Rajyasabha.

Model Answer: 

Role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha

The Vice-President of India serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. The Vice-President is the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and the role carries significant responsibilities and powers. In this answer, we will discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha in detail.

I. Constitutional Provisions

Article 64 of the Indian Constitution specifies that the Vice-President of India shall be the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Article 89 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha to discharge the functions of the President of India in case of a vacancy in the office of the President or during the President’s absence.

II. Presiding Officer of the Rajya Sabha

As the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President presides over the proceedings of the house.
The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is responsible for maintaining order and decorum in the house.
The Chairman also ensures that the rules and procedures of the house are followed during the proceedings.

III. Powers and Functions

The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has the power to adjudicate on points of order raised by members of the house.
The Chairman also has the power to allow or disallow motions, amendments, and bills to be moved in the house.
The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha can also refer a bill to a parliamentary committee for further scrutiny and examination.
The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha can also suspend or expel members of the house who violate the rules and decorum of the house.

IV. Representation of the House

The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha represents the house in all its dealings with the outside world.
The Chairman also represents the Rajya Sabha in various inter-parliamentary conferences and other international forums.

V. Role in Lawmaking

The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in the lawmaking process in India.
The Chairman presides over the debate and discussion of bills in the Rajya Sabha.
The Chairman ensures that the debates are conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner, and all members get an opportunity to voice their opinions.
The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha also signs bills passed by the house before sending them to the President for assent.

In conclusion, the Vice-President of India, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, plays a vital role in the functioning of the upper house of the Indian Parliament. The Chairman has several powers and responsibilities, ranging from presiding over the proceedings of the house to representing the Rajya Sabha in international forums. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha also plays a crucial role in the lawmaking process in India, ensuring that the debates and discussions are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.