The Vice-President of India, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, plays a critical role in maintaining legislative decorum and neutrality. This position ensures the smooth functioning of the Upper House by upholding constitutional values and facilitating bipartisan debate.

Q. 4 Discuss the role of the Vice –Presidents of India as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Vice-President of India holds a unique constitutional position, serving as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). This dual role is enshrined in Articles 63 and 64 of the Indian Constitution. As the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President's primary responsibility is to preside over its sessions and ensure the smooth functioning of the house.

Body

The Vice-President, as the Chairman, acts as a neutral arbiter in disputes between the ruling and opposition parties. This neutrality is crucial for maintaining the balance and decorum in the house. For instance, during contentious debates, the Chairman's impartiality helps in managing conflicts and ensuring that all voices are heard.

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Key functions of the Chairman include:

• Running of the House: The Chairman oversees the daily proceedings, ensuring that the legislative business is conducted efficiently. This includes deciding the agenda, recognizing members to speak, and putting matters to vote.
• Maintaining Decorum: The Chairman is responsible for maintaining order in the house. This involves disciplining members who violate rules, ensuring adherence to parliamentary procedures, and managing disruptions.
• Decision on Points of Order: The Chairman decides on points of order raised by members, which are crucial for the interpretation of rules and procedures.

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A recent example highlighting the role of the Vice-President as the Rajya Sabha Chairman is the handling of the debate on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019. The Chairman's role was pivotal in managing the heated discussions and ensuring that the debate proceeded in an orderly manner.

Conclusion

In summary, the Vice-President, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, plays a vital role in the legislative process by ensuring impartiality, maintaining decorum, and facilitating the smooth conduct of business. However, challenges such as managing disruptions, ensuring unbiased conduct, and balancing the interests of diverse political groups can complicate the effective discharge of these duties.

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