Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

According to Article 64 and 89(1), Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha and as Chairman, Vice-President functions as part of the Parliament. 

Role of Vice-President as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha

• Presides over sessions of Rajya Sabha.
• Custodian and guardian of rights and privileges of the House and its members. 
• Interprets Constitution, rules of conduct of business and his rulings constitute precedents which are binding.
• Have a casting vote in case there is equality of votes (Article 100).
• Can adjourn the House or suspend its sitting due to absence of quorum. 
• Chairman may
  • Reject resignation of members
  • Reject proposal to impeach Judges of High Court and Supreme Court.
  • Determines disqualification under Tenth Schedule.  
• Rajya Sabha Secretariat functions under his control and directions.  
• Correct patent errors in a Bill passed by RS.
• Communicates Motion of Thanks.

Despite the dual role, the holder of the office of Vice-President has ensured its dignity and grace over successive years.