Question

When the Chairman of Rajya Sabha acts as President, the duties of the Chairman are performed by __________.
(A) himself
(B) a newly elected Chairman
(C) the Deputy Chairman
(D) a member of Rajya Sabha deputed by the Chairman

Answer 1

Hint: The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Vice-President does not perform the duties of the office of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha during any period when he acts as the President or discharges the function of the President.

Complete step-by-step answer:
The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha or the Vice-President is not a member of the House. He can not vote in the House in the first instance, but if a case of an equality of votes emerges, then he can cast a vote. The Vice-President can not preside over the sitting of the House when a resolution of his removal is under consideration. However, he can be present and speak in the House and can take part in the proceedings, without voting, even at such a time.
When the office of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is vacant or when the Vice-President acts as President or discharges the functions of the President, the Deputy Chairman performs the duties of the Chairman’s office. He also acts as the Chairman when the former is absent from the sitting of the House. He has all the powers of the Chairman in both cases. The Deputy Chairman is directly responsible to the Rajya Sabha and is not subordinate to the Chairman.

Thus, option (C) is correct.

Note: The Vice-President is not entitled to any salary or allowance payable to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha during any such period when he acts as President or discharges the functions of the President. But during such a time, he is paid the salary and allowance of the President.