- Election: The Deputy Chairman is elected by the Rajya Sabha from among its members. If the position becomes vacant, the Rajya Sabha elects a new member to fill the vacancy.
- Vacancy: The Deputy Chairman leaves office if:
➤ He or she ceases to be a member of the Rajya Sabha.
➤ He or she resigns in writing to the Chairman.
➤ He or she is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all members of the Rajya Sabha, with 14 days' advance notice required.
- Duties: The Deputy Chairman performs the duties of the Chairman's office when it is vacant or when the Vice-President is acting as President. He also acts as Chairman when the latter is absent from a sitting of the House, assuming all the powers of the Chairman.
- Independence: The Deputy Chairman is directly responsible to the Rajya Sabha and is not subordinate to the Chairman.
- Voting: While presiding over the House, the Deputy Chairman cannot vote initially; he can only cast a vote in case of a tie. If there is a resolution for the Deputy Chairman's removal, he cannot preside over the sitting of the House but may be present.
- Role when Chairman is present: When the Chairman presides over the House, the Deputy Chairman is like any other ordinary member. He can speak, participate in proceedings, and vote on any question before the House.
- Salary and Allowance: The Deputy Chairman is entitled to a regular salary and allowance fixed by Parliament and charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
