POWERS AND FUNCTIONS‌

The functions of Vice-President are two-fold:

1. He acts as the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. In this capacity, his powers and functions are similar to those of the Speaker of Lok Sabha. In this respect, he resembles the American vicepresident who also acts as the Chairman of the Senate-the Upper House of the American legislature.

2. He acts as President when a vacancy occurs in the office of the President due to his resignation, impeachment, death or otherwise.7 He can act as President only for a maximum period of six months within which a new President has to be elected. Further, when the sitting President is unable to discharge his functions due to absence, illness or any other cause, the Vice-President discharges his functions until the President resumes his office.8‌

While acting as President or discharging the functions of President, the Vice-President does not perform the duties of the office of the chairman of Rajya Sabha. During this period, those duties are performed by the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

The Constitution has not fixed any emoluments for the Vice- President in that capacity. He draws his regular salary in his capacity as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In 2018, the Parliament increased the salary of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha from ₹1.25 lakh to ₹4 lakh per month9. Earlier in 2008, the pension of the retired Vice-President was increased from ₹20,000 per month to 50% of his salary per month10. In addition, he is entitled to daily allowance, free furnished residence, medical, travel and other facilities.‌

During any period when the Vice-President acts as President or discharges the functions of the President, he is not entitled to the salary or allowance payable to the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, but the salary and allowance of the President.