Why in News?

Vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned from his post citing medical reasons, prompting the initiation of the process to select a new vice-president.

About Office of Vice President

• Position in Hierarchy: The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional authority in India, ranking just after the President. 
• Order of Precedence: In the official protocol list, the Vice President is ranked directly below the President. 
• Inspired by U.S. Model: The office of the Vice President in India is modeled on the American Vice-President's role. 
• Role as Acting President: The Vice President acts as the President if the President is unable to perform duties due to death, resignation, removal, or other reasons. 
• Chairman of Rajya Sabha: The Vice President also serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament.

Election of the Vice President

• Indirect Election: The Vice President is not elected directly by the people, but through an indirect election process, similar to the President. 
• Electoral College Composition: The Vice President is elected by an electoral college made up of members of both Houses of Parliament. 
• Difference from Presidential Electoral College 
  • Includes both elected and nominated members of Parliament (unlike the President’s, which includes only elected members). 
  • Does not include members of state legislative assemblies (who are included in the Presidential election). 
• Election Method: The election is conducted using the proportional representation system through the single transferable vote method. 
• Secret Voting: Voting for the Vice President’s election is done through a secret ballot.

Constitutional Provisions Related to the Vice President of India 

Eligibility Criteria for Vice President of India 

• Indian Citizenship: The candidate must be a citizen of India. 
• Minimum Age: The person should have completed 35 years of age. 
• Rajya Sabha Qualification: Must be qualified to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha. 
• No Office of Profit: The candidate must not hold any office of profit under the Union, State, local, or any other public authority. 

Conditions for Holding the Office of Vice President 

• No Membership in Legislature 
  • The Vice President must not be a member of Parliament or any state legislature. 
  • If elected while holding such a position, the seat is considered automatically vacated on assuming office.
    
• No Office of Profit: The Vice President must not hold any other office of profit during the term. 

Term of Office of the Vice President 

• The Vice President serves a term of five years from the date of assuming office. 
• He can resign at any time by submitting a resignation letter to the President of India. 

Vacancy in the Office of Vice President 

A vacancy in the Vice President’s office can arise due to 

• Completion of Term 
• Resignation 
• Removal 
• Death 
• Otherwise 

Removal of the Vice President of India 

• No Impeachment Required: The Vice President can be removed without a formal impeachment process.
  
• Procedure
  
  • A resolution must be passed in the Rajya Sabha with an effective majority (majority of the total membership, excluding vacancies). 
  • It must then be approved by the Lok Sabha with a simple majority (majority of members present and voting).
    
• Initiation: The resolution can only be introduced in the Rajya Sabha, not in the Lok Sabha. 
• Notice Period: At least 14 days' prior notice must be given before moving the resolution.