Panel of Vice-Chairpersons in Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha recently reconstituted its panel of vice-chairpersons, ensuring equal representation for women, a move aimed at enhancing inclusivity and diversity in parliamentary proceedings.

About Panel on Vice Chairpersons:

Vice-Chairpersons of Rajya Sabha:

• The vice chairpersons are eligible to preside over the house in the absence of the Chairperson or the Deputy Chair person of the Council of States.
• According to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Council of States (Rajya Sabha), 1964, the Chairperson appoints a group of vice-chairpersons.
• A panel of not more than six Vice-chairpersons is nominated based on the strength of parties in the house, including that from opposition parties.
• Any Vice-Chairperson from the panel can preside over the house if the Chairman or Deputy Chairman is absent.
• Vice-Chairpersons have the same powers as the Chairman when presiding.
• Vice-Chairperson cannot preside over the house if both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman positions are vacant.
  • In this case, the President appoints certain members of the house to carry out the Chairman’s duties.
• The role of the Vice-chairperson is to maintain order, facilitate debates, assist in the passage of bills and maintain order and decorum in the house.
• While presiding over a sitting of the House, he/she cannot vote in the first instance and has to exercise a casting vote in the case of an equality of votes.
• A Vice-Chairman holds office until a new panel of Vice-Chairmen is nominated.
• When neither the Chairman, Deputy Chairman nor a Vice Chairperson is present to preside, such other member as may be determined by the House.

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