Presiding Officer of Rajya Sabha

Why is in news? S. Phangnon Konyak becomes first woman member from Nagaland to Preside over Rajya Sabha

Marking a significant moment in history, the first woman member from Nagaland in the Rajya Sabha, Smt. Phangnon Konyak presided over the House on July 25, 2023.

Earlier she had created history by becoming the first ever women member to be appointed to the panel of Vice- Chairpersons on July 17, 2023.

In a remarkable move to bring about gender equality, the Chairman, Rajya Sabha had nominated four women members (50% of the total number) to the panel of Vice-Chairpersons.

It is also noteworthy that all women members nominated to the panel are first term Parliamentarians.

The panel reconstituted before the Monsoon Session contains a total of eight names, out of which half are women.

This is the first time in the history of the Upper House that equal representation has been given to women members in the panel of Vice-Chairpersons.

Along with S. Phangnon Konyak, P.T. Usha, Dr. Fauzia Khan, Sulata Deo are also appointed to the panel of Vice- Chairpersons.

Panel of Vice-Chairpersons in Rajya Sabha:

Under the Rules of Rajya Sabha, the Chairman nominates from amongst the members a panel of vice-chairpersons.

The members are nominated from the members of the Rajya Sabha by the Chairperson.

Its role is to assist in passing bills and ensuring the effective functioning of the government.

In case of the Chairman’s absence, the same duty is delegated and executed by the deputy chairman of the house.

Any one of them can preside over the House in the absence of the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman.

He/she has the same powers as the Chairman when so presiding.

He/she holds office until a new panel of vice-chairpersons is nominated.

When a member of the panel of vice chairpersons is also not present, any other person as determined by the House acts as the Chairman.

It must be emphasised here that a member of the panel of vice chairpersons cannot preside over the House, when the office of the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman is vacant.

During such time, the Chairman’s duties are to be performed by such member of the House as the president may appoint for the purpose.

The elections are held, as soon as possible, to fill the vacant posts.