Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha | 18 Apr 2026

Source: DD 

In a historic first, a nominated Member of Parliament, Harivansh Narayan Singh, has been made the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman. He was re-elected unopposed for a third consecutive term.

• Election and Position:  Article 89(2) of the Constitution of India mandates that the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) shall elect one of its members as the Deputy Chairman.  
  • Whenever the office becomes vacant, the House must elect a new Deputy Chairman to ensure continuity in its functioning.  
  • For the election of the Deputy Chairman, any member of the Rajya Sabha can move a motion proposing the name of another member for the post.  
    • The proposed candidate must submit a declaration expressing willingness to serve if elected, and the motion must be seconded by another member of the House. 
  • The Deputy Chairman holds office until he ceases to be a member of the Rajya Sabha, resigns, or is removed by the House. 
• Role and Functions:  He presides over the House in the absence of the Chairman (Vice-President) and exercises all powers of the Chairman during that period. 
• Voting Power: Like the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, while presiding, cannot vote in the first instance. They can only exercise a casting vote in the case of a tie. 
• Independence of the Office: He is not subordinate to the Chairman and is directly responsible to the Rajya Sabha. 
• Position as Member: When the Chairman presides, the Deputy Chairman acts like a normal member, participating in debates and voting. 
• Removal Procedure: He can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha, with 14 days’ prior notice. 
  • He cannot preside over the House when a resolution for his removal is under consideration. 
• Salary and Allowances: His salary and allowances are fixed by Parliament and are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. 
• Vacancy: The office falls vacant if he ceases to be a member, resigns by submitting a resignation to the Chairman, or is removed by the House, after which a new Deputy Chairman is elected.  
• Panel of Vice-Chairpersons: Under the Rules of the Rajya Sabha, the Chairman nominates a panel of Vice-Chairpersons from among the members, any of whom can preside over the House in the absence of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.  
  • However, they cannot preside when either office is vacant.