PRESIDENT
Hey there, curious minds! Now, ready to dive into some interesting General Knowledge (GK) facts that might just give you an edge in your next competitive exam? Whether you’re prepping for the exam conducted by SSC, Banking, Railway, UPSC, LIC and PCS or just love to keep your brain buzzing with new info, you’re in the right place!
Let’s kick things off by talking about something you might have heard of but don’t know too much about- President and Vice President of India. Ever wondered what exactly they are or why it’s so important for you to know about them keeping in view your upcoming exams.
In this post, we’re going to explore some cool facts about the President and Vice President of India, their qualification, powers and limitations. So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s get your GK game strong!
And, guys, the questions related to President and Vice President are asked in various competitive exams conducted by SSC, Banking, UPSC, Railways, LIC, PCS etc.
As per Article 52 there shall be a President for India and he/she will hold office for a term of five years. The President can resign from his office or may be removed through the process of impeachment. He/she can be impeached for the violation of the constitution. The President is elected indirectly by an Electoral College by the single transferable vote system of proportional representation. Although his term of office is five years but he is eligible for re-election.
Qualification
He must be a citizen of India
Must be minimum 35 years of age
Must be qualified for election to House of the people
He must not have any office of profit under the central and state government.
Powers
The President has legislative, financial and emergency powers.
Legislative Powers
On the advice of his Council of Ministers the President can promulgate ordinances at any time. He can nominate twelve members to the lower house (Rajya Sabha).
The President can appoint a Finance Commission and permits annual budget to be laid before the Parliament.
Without the permission of the President a money bill cannot be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Emergency Powers
In the following conditions, the President can enjoy the emergency powers:
- In case of War, External aggression or Armed Rebellion
- If in his view the constitutional machinery of the state is not functioning well.
- In case of Financial Emergency
Judicial Powers
Article 72 provides that the President has the authority to grant pardon, reprieve, respite, remit and commute a punishment.
India’s first President was Dr. Rajendra Prasad. He remained in the office from 26 January, 1950, to May 13, 1962. He was a man of letters and played a vital role in the Indian independence movement.
VICE-PRESIDENT
Article 63 of the constitution has a provision for the Vice-President, who is also the ex-officio chairman of Rajya Sabha. He is not a member of the upper house (Rajya Sabha) thus has no right to vote. But in case of tie he can use his vote. He acts as President when the latter is unable to discharge his duties due to absence, illness or any other cause or till the election of a new President. While acting as a President he stops to perform the function of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Qualification
- Must be a citizen of India
- Must be of 35 years of age
- Must be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha
- He must not hold any office of profit under the government of India or State.
The Vice-President is elected by the Electoral College consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote. Although hs term of office is five years yet he is eligible for re-election.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was the first Vice President of India and remained in the office from 1952 to 1962.