What is difference between Indian and American Vice-President?
Q. Which of the following is/are true regarding Vice-President (VP) of India?
1) The post of VP is just for political continuity.
2) When acting as President, the VP is not entitled to salary of the President.- Published on 28 Feb 17a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
ANSWER: Only 1
- The office of the Indian Vice-President is shaped on the lines of the American Vice-President.
- The American Vice-President succeeds to the presidency when it falls vacant, and remains President for the unexpired term of his predecessor.
- The Indian Vice-President, on the other hand, does not assume the office of the President when it falls vacant for the unexpired term.
- He merely serves as an acting President until the new President assumes charge.
- Thus, the Constitution has not assigned any significant function to the Vice-President in that capacity.
- Hence, some scholars call him ‘His Superfluous Highness’.
- This office was created with a view to maintain the political continuity of the Indian State.
Emoluments -
- The Constitution has not fixed any emoluments for the Vice-President in that capacity.
- He draws his regular salary in his capacity as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- In 2008, the Parliament increased the salary of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1.25 lakh per month
- In addition, he is entitled to daily allowance, free furnished residence, medical, travel and other facilities.
- During any period when the Vice-President acts as President or discharges the functions of the President, he is not entitled to the salary or allowance payable to the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, but the salary and allowance of the President.
