Actual Article
Article 64: The Vice-President to be ex officio Chairman of the Council of States
The Vice-President shall be ex officio Chairman of the Council of States and shall not hold any other office of profit.
UPSC Notes for Article 64
Explanation:
- Dual Role: Article 64 designates the Vice-President of India as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
- Office of Profit: The Vice-President cannot hold any other office of profit, ensuring their impartiality and dedication to their constitutional responsibilities.
Key Points:
- Presiding Officer: As the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President is responsible for presiding over the sessions of the Upper House, maintaining order, and ensuring the legislative process is conducted smoothly.
- Impartial Role: The prohibition against holding any other office of profit ensures that the Vice-President remains unbiased and focused solely on their duties as Chairman and Vice-President.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 64
Cases:
- Mohd. Saeed Siddiqui vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (2014): Highlighted the importance of maintaining the dignity and independence of constitutional offices.
- S.P. Anand vs. H.D. Deve Gowda (1996): Discussed the necessity of adhering to constitutional provisions and the responsibilities of constitutional functionaries.
Commissions:
- National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000): Reviewed the roles and responsibilities of the Vice-President, particularly their function as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- Administrative Reforms Commission (1966 and 2005-2009): Emphasized the importance of the Vice-President’s role in parliamentary democracy and suggested procedural reforms to enhance the functioning of the Rajya Sabha.
Important Reports Related to Article 64
- Law Commission Reports: Discussed the duties and privileges of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, providing recommendations for improving legislative procedures.
- Parliamentary Standing Committee Reports: Examined the functioning of the Rajya Sabha and the role of the Vice-President in ensuring effective legislative deliberations.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 64
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) The Vice-President of India is the ex officio Chairman of which of the following?
- A. Lok Sabha
- B. Rajya Sabha
- C. Planning Commission
- D. National Development Council Correct Answer: B. Rajya Sabha
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) Which of the following statements about the Vice-President of India is correct?
- A. The Vice-President can hold any other office of profit.
- B. The Vice-President is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- C. The Vice-President presides over the sessions of Lok Sabha.
- D. The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college comprising members of State Legislative Assemblies. Correct Answer: B. The Vice-President is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 64
- Mains 2015: “Evaluate the role of the Vice-President of India as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. How does this role contribute to the functioning of the Indian parliamentary system?”
- Mains 2019: “Discuss the significance of the Vice-President’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. What are the key responsibilities and challenges associated with this position?”
Additional Insights:
- Role in Legislative Process: As the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President plays a critical role in steering legislative debates, resolving procedural issues, and ensuring that the House functions efficiently. This role is pivotal in maintaining the balance of power between the two Houses of Parliament.
- Neutral Arbitrator: The prohibition on holding any other office of profit ensures that the Vice-President remains a neutral arbitrator in the legislative process, upholding the principles of impartiality and fairness.
- Historical Context: The role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha was envisioned by the framers of the Constitution to provide a stable and effective leadership to the Upper House, which represents the states of India.
Understanding Article 64 is essential for UPSC aspirants as it highlights the dual role of the Vice-President in the Indian parliamentary system. This knowledge is crucial for both preliminary and main examinations, offering insights into the responsibilities and significance of the second highest constitutional office in India and its impact on legislative processes.