Part V - The Union • Article

Article 64 Simplified: The Vice-President to be ex officio Chairman of the Council of States

The Vice-President has an important double role: by virtue of holding the office of VP (ex officio), they automatically become the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (the Council of States). They lead the debates and meetings of the Rajya Sabha, but they cannot act as Chairman if they are filling in as the President.

Official Text

The Vice-President shall be ex officioChairman of the Council of the States and shall not hold any other office of profit: Provided that during any period when the Vice-President acts as President or discharges the functions of the President under article 65, he shall not perform the duties of the office of Chairman of the Council of States and shall not be entitled to any salary or allowance payable to the Chairman of the Council of States under article 97.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

This article gives the Vice-President their main daily job. By simply being the Vice-President (ex officio), they automatically become the boss (Chairman) of the Rajya Sabha. They run the debates there, but they cannot do any other job for money.

Student Mode

Declares the Vice-President to be the ex officio Chairman of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha). Under this provision, they cannot hold any other office of profit. However, if they act as or discharge the functions of the President under Article 65, they do not perform Rajya Sabha duties and receive the President's salary instead of the Chairman's salary.

Example

During Rajya Sabha sessions, you will see the Vice-President sitting in the main speaker's chair, running the daily debates and voting processes.

Key Takeaway

The Vice-President's primary daily job is running the Rajya Sabha.

FAQs

What does 'ex officio' mean?

It is a Latin term meaning 'by virtue of one's office'. In this case, whoever is elected as Vice-President automatically becomes the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Does the Rajya Sabha elect its own Chairman?

No, unlike the Lok Sabha which elects its Speaker, the Rajya Sabha is presided over by the Vice-President of India, who is elected by both Houses of Parliament.

Does the Vice-President receive a salary as the Vice-President?

No, the Constitution does not provide a salary for the post of Vice-President. They receive their salary and allowances in their capacity as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Quiz

Who is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?

Answer: The Vice-President

If the Vice-President acts as the President under Article 65, what happens to their role in Rajya Sabha?

Answer: They stop performing Rajya Sabha duties