UPSC Prelims 2013 Q70: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Consider the following statements:
1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the
presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Rajya Sabha officers and the election of the Vice-President
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House | Incorrect | The Chairman (the Vice-President) is not a member, but the Deputy Chairman is a member, elected by the House |
| 2. Nominated members have no voting right in the presidential election, but they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice-President | Correct | See the table below |
The two elections compared:
| Election | Electoral college | Nominated members vote? |
|---|---|---|
| President (Article 54) | Elected members of both Houses and of State Assemblies | No |
| Vice-President (Article 66) | All members of both Houses | Yes |
More on the Vice-President: he is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and votes only in case of a tie.
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Deputy Chairman is a member of the Rajya Sabha.
- (b) CORRECT. Nominated members vote for the Vice-President but not for the President.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is true.
Key point
President: elected members of Parliament and State Assemblies (Article 54). Vice-President: all members of both Houses, including nominated (Article 66). Deputy Chairman is a Rajya Sabha member.
Remember
Nominated members vote for the Vice-President only.
Common mistakes
- Treating the Deputy Chairman like the Chairman, as a non-member.
- Thinking nominated members vote in neither election.
- Forgetting that State Assemblies have no role in electing the Vice-President.
Exam tip
President: elected members only. Vice-President: all members of Parliament.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 54, 64, 66 and 89
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapters on President and Vice-President