Vice President of India: Tenure and Eligibility Criteria

The Vice President of India holds a very important position in the country’s political system. Apart from assisting the President, the Vice President plays a vital role in the functioning of the Parliament. Let’s understand what qualifications a person needs to become the Vice President, how long they can serve, and the process of their election.

Eligibility Criteria for Becoming the Vice President

To contest for the position of Vice President of India, a person must fulfill certain conditions laid down by the Constitution of India:

• Must be a Citizen of India: The person should be an Indian citizen by birth or through legal registration.
• Minimum Age Requirement: The candidate must be at least 35 years old at the time of nomination.
• Not Holding an Office of Profit: The candidate should not be holding any office of profit under the Government of India, any State Government or any public authority. Office of Profit means a position that provides salary or benefits, which could influence the independence of the person.
• Qualified for Election to the Rajya Sabha: The candidates must be eligible as a member of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament). This is because the Vice President is also the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Difference Between the Election of President and Vice President

Both the President and Vice President are elected through an Electoral College. However, there are some important differences:

• For the Vice President’s Election: Members of the State Legislative Assemblies do not take part. Only members of both House of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) vote.
• Inclusion of Nominated Members: Unlike the Presidential election, nominated members of both Houses of Parliament can also vote in the Vice President’s election.

Tenure of the Vice President

The term of office for the Vice President is five years from the date they take charge. However, this team can end earlier under certain situations:

• Resignation: If the Vice President submits their resignation to the President.
• Removal: The Vice President can be removed from office through a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
• Death: If the Vice President passes away during their term.

Re-Election of Vice President of India

A Vice President can be re-elected any number of times. There is no restriction on how many terms they can serve.

Role in the Absence of the President

If the President is unable to perform their duties due to illness, death, resignation or removal, the Vice President takes over as the Acting President of India until a new President is elected.