Question

Who among the following is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?

• A. Leader of Opposition
• B. President of India
• C. Vice-President of India
• D. Senior Member of Rajya Sabha

Hint:

Remember that the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is the only presiding officer of a parliamentary house in India who is not a member of that house.
If the Vice-President acts as or discharges the functions of the President of India during a vacancy, they do not perform the duties of the office of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and are not entitled to receive the salary of the Chairman.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question belongs to the General Knowledge and Civics section, focusing on the constitutional framework and legislative offices of the Republic of India.
We are asked to identify which high-ranking official serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of India's bicameral Parliament.

Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
According to Article 64 and Article 89(1) of the Constitution of India, the Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
The term "ex-officio" indicates that by virtue of holding the office of the Vice-President, the individual automatically assumes the role and responsibilities of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• The Parliament of India is bicameral, consisting of the President of India and two houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).

• While the Lok Sabha is presided over by a Speaker who is elected from among its members, the Rajya Sabha is presided over by the Vice-President of India, who is not a member of the House.

• The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.

• Because the Chairman is not a member of the Rajya Sabha, they do not have a vote in the first instance, but can cast a deciding vote in the case of an equality of votes (casting vote).

• This dual responsibility of the Vice-President highlights the unique constitutional design of the Indian legislative and executive systems, ensuring stability and neutral leadership in the Upper House.



Step 4: Final Answer:
The ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is the Vice-President of India, which corresponds to option (C).