General Studies 2022 GS Paper II 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Discuss

Q4

Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

राज्य सभा के सभापति के रूप में भारत के उप-राष्ट्रपति की भूमिका की विवेचना कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

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Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'discuss' requires a balanced examination of multiple facets of the Vice-President's role as Rajya Sabha Chairman, covering both formal constitutional functions and informal significance. Structure: brief constitutional context → presiding functions → casting vote → disciplinary and procedural powers → limitations → concluding significance. Avoid mere listing; integrate functions with their democratic rationale.

Key points expected

Constitutional basis: Article 64 (ex-officio Chairman) and Article 89; distinction from Lok Sabha Speaker who is member-elected
Presiding and conduct of business: maintaining order, recognizing speakers, deciding points of order, adjournment powers
Casting vote: Article 100 (only when votes are equally divided; not a deliberative vote)
Committee role: Chairman of Rajya Sabha committees including Business Advisory Committee; appointment of panel of Vice-Chairpersons
Limitations: cannot preside over own removal (Article 67); salary charged on Consolidated Fund; no voting in first instance
Comparative significance: contrast with Speaker's powers; role in federal balance as Council of States head

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Recognizes 'discuss' demands multi-dimensional coverage (presiding, procedural, disciplinary, electoral) with interconnections, not isolated listing; balances formal powers with practical constraints	Covers main functions but treats them as separate points without showing interrelationship; misses directive's demand for examination of significance	Misreads as 'describe' or 'list'; provides only definition or constitutional provision without elaboration; confuses with President's powers
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Precise Articles (64, 89, 100, 67); accurate distinction between casting vote and deliberative vote; correct procedure for removal; mentions panel of Vice-Chairpersons	Correct basic functions but vague on Articles; conflates casting vote with regular voting; minor errors on removal procedure	Major factual errors: claims VP is elected Chairman by members, or has deliberative vote, or presides over own removal; confuses with Lok Sabha Speaker's powers
Structure & flow	20%	2	Logical progression: constitutional basis → presiding functions → special powers (casting vote) → committee role → limitations → significance; smooth transitions; 150-word discipline maintained	Covers points but jumps between categories; some repetition; word count slightly off but acceptable structure	Disorganized listing without thematic grouping; abrupt shifts; grossly exceeds word limit or leaves major aspects uncovered
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	References specific instances: Hamid Ansari's casting votes (2004-2014), Venkaiah Naidu's suspension of members (2018), or notable rulings; mentions Article 100 application in tied votes	Generic reference to 'past Chairmen' without specificity; or mentions only one example without elaboration	No examples; or invents/incorrect examples (e.g., claiming VP presided over impeachment of President); confuses with Lok Sabha precedents
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Synthesizes role as balancing federal representation with parliamentary discipline; notes tension between being executive nominee and neutral presiding officer; or connects to strengthening Rajya Sabha's revisory function	Standard concluding statement on importance without analytical depth; mere summary of points covered	No conclusion; or abrupt ending; or makes unsupported normative claims about VP's superiority over Speaker

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