The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India. The Chairman is a significant constitutional authority, responsible for overseeing the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha, maintaining order, and ensuring that parliamentary rules and procedures are followed.
Appointment and Election:
Vice President of India:
The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is also the Vice President of India. The Vice President ex officio serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This dual role is established by the Constitution of India.
Election to Vice Presidency:
The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha). Members of the Legislative Assemblies of states and union territories do not participate in this election.
Term:
The term of the Vice President and, by extension, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is five years. The Vice President can be re-elected for additional terms.
Role and Functions:
Presiding Officer:
The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha serves as the presiding officer during its sessions. The Chairman is responsible for maintaining order, deciding points of order, and ensuring that parliamentary procedures are followed.
Casting Vote:
The Chairman has a casting vote in case of a tie on any matter being voted upon in the Rajya Sabha. This vote is exercised in addition to the Chairman’s original vote.
Deciding on Points of Order:
The Chairman has the authority to decide on points of order raised by members during debates and discussions. The Chairman’s rulings on parliamentary procedures are final unless overruled by the house.
Representation:
The Chairman represents the Rajya Sabha in its relations with the President of India, the Lok Sabha, and other authorities, both within and outside India.
Constitutional Duties:
The Chairman performs certain constitutional duties, such as addressing joint sittings of both houses, communicating messages from the President to the Rajya Sabha, and certifying money bills.
Committee on Rules:
The Chairman is the ex-officio chairman of the Committee on Rules, which deals with matters related to the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the Rajya Sabha.
Committee on Privileges:
The Chairman presides over the Committee of Privileges, which examines matters related to the privileges of members and breaches thereof.
Appointment of Deputy Chairman:
The Chairman has the authority to appoint a Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Deputy Chairman presides over the Rajya Sabha in the absence of the Chairman.
Independence and Impartiality:
Non-Partisan Role:
The Chairman is expected to maintain impartiality and act in a non-partisan manner. While elected from among the members of a political party, the Chairman is required to sever ties with their party upon assuming the office.
Resignation:
The Chairman can resign by submitting a resignation letter to the Vice President. The resignation becomes effective when accepted by the Vice President.
Conclusion:
The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, holding the office of the Vice President of India, is a pivotal figure in the functioning of the upper house of Parliament. The Chairman’s role is crucial in maintaining order, upholding parliamentary rules, and representing the Rajya Sabha in various capacities. The independence and impartiality of the Chairman are vital for ensuring the effective functioning of the Rajya Sabha.
