Introduction
The office of the Vice President of India, modelled on the U.S. system, was instituted to perform two key roles:
Despite this constitutional mandate, the Vice President's political and executive influence remains marginal, raising valid questions on the utility and relevance of the office in the Indian parliamentary framework.
Origin and Constitutional Intent
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Inspired by the American model, where the Vice President is an integral part of the executive.
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In India, under Article 63, the Vice President holds a largely ceremonial role.
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Performs two core functions:
Key Issue: Unlike the U.S., the Indian VP lacks executive authority and institutional centrality.
Presidential Succession: India vs U.S.
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U.S.: Vice President automatically becomes President for the remaining term (e.g., LBJ after JFK's assassination).
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India: VP only discharges functions temporarily; a new President must be elected within 6 months.
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The Indian VP does not complete the term nor assume the presidency permanently.
Implication: Succession in India is procedural and temporary, reducing the strategic relevance of the Vice President.
Legislative Function: Rajya Sabha Chairperson
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In the U.S.: The Senate, presided over by the VP, has significant legislative and oversight powers.
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In India: The Rajya Sabha is the weaker House, with limited influence compared to the Lok Sabha.
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Members are indirectly elected, and major bills, including Money Bills, are passed primarily in the Lok Sabha.
Outcome: The Vice President's influence as Rajya Sabha Chairperson is limited both institutionally and politically.
Political Visibility and Relevance
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U.S. VP: Often plays key roles in diplomacy, national security, and governance.
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Indian VP: Is not part of the Cabinet or National Security Council; remains politically distant from power centres.
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Separate elections for President and VP create no political alignment between the two offices.
Result: The Indian VP lacks visibility, political influence, and day-to-day executive functions.
Systemic Mismatch
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India operates under a parliamentary system, where the real power lies with the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
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The President and Vice President have largely ceremonial roles.
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Despite being constitutionally mandated, the VP’s office has little functional significance.
Irony: An institution borrowed to serve a pivotal role in governance remains underutilised and peripheral.
Way Forward
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Reforms could include:
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Clarifying the succession mechanism.
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Enhancing the legislative or constitutional functions of the Vice President.
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Exploring ways to link the office more directly to the executive or parliamentary affairs.
Alternatively, expectations from the office must be realigned with its ceremonial nature.
Conclusion
The office of the Vice President of India, while constitutionally necessary, serves minimal political purpose in practice. Its limited legislative influence, lack of executive role, and systemic constraints render it more of a symbolic institution. In its current form, it stands as a constitutional necessity but a political redundancy.
