With reference to the Vice President of India, explain the following :

(a) How is the Vice President of India elected?

(b) What are his functions?

(a) The Vice President of the Indian Union is elected jointly by members of both the Houses of the Parliament. The election of the Vice President shall be indirect and in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. The proposal for nomination of Vice President has to be proposed by 20 members and seconded by 20 members of Parliament. An absolute majority of the votes polled is also required for the election of the Vice-President. All disputes regarding his election is decided by the Supreme Court.

(b) The functions of the Vice President are given below:

1. Ex-Officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha : The Vice President of the Indian Union acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Vice-President receives his salary and many other facilities in his capacity as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He can exercise a casting-vote in case of a tie.
2. Acting as the President of India : If the office of the President falls vacant due to his resignation, death, impeachment, illness or absence from the country, the Vice President of India takes over as the President till a new President is elected. This period can be of six months at the most.