Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha
Why in News?
Harivansh Narayan Singh was re-elected as the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha unopposed on April 17, 2026. He is the first person since Dr. Najma Heptulla (2004) to be elected for a third term, and the first non-Congress member to achieve this feat.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 89: Mandates the Rajya Sabha to choose one of its members as the Deputy Chairman.
- Article 90: Outlines the resignation or removal of the Deputy Chairman.
- Article 91: States that the Deputy Chairman performs the duties of the Chairman when the office is vacant or the Vice President is acting as President.
Election & Tenure
- Electors: Chosen by the members of the Rajya Sabha from among themselves.
- Term: Usually coincides with their membership term in the Rajya Sabha (6 years).
- Vacation of Office: The office is vacated if they cease to be a member of the House, resign in writing to the Chairman, or are removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members.
Powers & Functions
- Presiding Authority: Presides over the House in the absence of the Chairman.
- No Subordination: He is not subordinate to the Chairman; he is directly responsible to the Rajya Sabha.
- Casting Vote: He does not vote in the first instance but exercises a "casting vote" to break a tie.
- Committee Head: Often chairs various parliamentary committees, such as the Committee on Privileges.
About Harivansh Narayan Singh
- Background: A veteran journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of the Hindi daily Prabhat Khabar.
- Political Career: Formerly a member of Janata Dal (United), he first became Deputy Chairman in 2018.
- Reputation: Known for his soft-spoken nature, impartiality, and deep understanding of parliamentary traditions.
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