Who acts as ex-officio Chairman of Rajya sabha?

The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, which is the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. In this role, the Vice President presides over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha, ensuring that the house functions smoothly and efficiently.

1. Meaning of Ex-officio Chairman:
   The term "ex-officio" means by virtue of holding a particular office. As the Vice President is elected to this constitutional post, they automatically assume the position of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
2. Role of the Vice President as Chairman:
   • The Vice President oversees debates and discussions in the Rajya Sabha, maintaining order and decorum in the house.
   • They have the authority to decide on points of order and ensure that parliamentary rules are followed.
   • While the Vice President acts as the Chairman, they do not have the right to vote on matters in the Rajya Sabha, except in the case of a tie, where they cast a deciding vote.
3. Why not the other options?
   • President: The President is not directly involved in the functioning of the Rajya Sabha and does not preside over its sessions.
   • Speaker: The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha (Lower House), not the Rajya Sabha.
   • Prime Minister: The Prime Minister leads the government and is a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha but does not hold any role as a presiding officer.

Thus, the Vice President’s role as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is integral to the smooth functioning of the Upper House of Parliament.