Have you ever wondered who helps lead the country when the President is away or unable to perform their duties? That important job belongs to the Vice President of India!
The Vice President is one of the most respected leaders in the country. Let’s learn more about who they are, what they do, and why they are important for India.
What is the Vice President’s Job?
The Vice President of India is the second-highest leader in the country, just after the President.
But the Vice President has two main jobs:
- To take over if the President is not available, ill, or resigns.
- To act as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha (that’s the Upper House of the Parliament).
Think of the Vice President as the backup leader and a parliamentary referee!
What is the Rajya Sabha?
India’s Parliament has two parts:
- Lok Sabha – where most members are elected directly by the people
- Rajya Sabha – where state lawmakers elect members
The Vice President is the head of the Rajya Sabha. During meetings, they make sure:
- Everyone gets a turn to speak
- Debates stay fair and calm
- The rules are followed
It’s a big job, like being the class monitor of the Parliament!
How is the Vice President Chosen?
Not all citizens choose the Vice President, as they do in general elections.
Instead, they are elected by:
- Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- Every MP gets to vote, and the person with the most votes becomes the new Vice President.
How Long Does the Vice President Serve?
A Vice President serves for 5 years. But they can:
- Be re-elected
- Resign before their term ends
- Step in as President if needed
Who is the Current Vice President of India?
Till now, the Vice President of India was Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar.
He took office on August 11, 2022, and resigned mid-term on July 22, 2025. Before this, he worked as a lawyer, leader, and was also the Governor of West Bengal.
He was known for being firm yet fair and ensuring that Parliament functioned smoothly.
Some Past Vice Presidents of India
Here are a few famous Vice Presidents from the past:
- Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan – He became the first Vice President in 1952 and later became President!
- Dr. Zakir Husain – Also became President after serving as Vice President
- M. Venkaiah Naidu – A popular leader and speaker before Shri Dhankhar
- Krishna Kant, Hamid Ansari, and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat were other respected Vice Presidents
Fun Facts!
- The first Vice President, Dr. Radhakrishnan, is also the reason we celebrate Teacher’s Day on 5th September!
- India has had 14 Vice Presidents since 1952
- The Vice President lives in New Delhi, just like the President and Prime Minister
- If both the President and Vice President are unavailable, the Chief Justice steps in!
Why is the Vice President Important?
Even though the Vice President doesn’t run the government, their role is still very important:
- They keep Parliament running smoothly
- They are always ready to help in times of emergency
- They represent India in important events and meetings
It’s like having a wise, kind, and strong deputy head teacher for the country.
Final Thoughts
The Vice President of India may not be in the spotlight every day, but their work is crucial for maintaining a strong and respectful democracy.
They remind us that leadership is about listening, being fair, and helping things run smoothly, whether in a school classroom or Parliament.
So, the next time you hear about the Vice President, you’ll know they’re more than just a helper; they’re one of the pillars of Indian democracy.
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