P.T. Usha chairs Rajya Sabha amid thumping by members

Subject : Polity

Section: Parliament

Concept :

PT Usha, nominated member of the Rajya sabha, presided over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha in the absence of Chairman and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar.
In December 2022, Usha became the first nominated member in the history of the Rajya Sabha to be included in the panel of vice-chairman of the House.

Panel of Vice-Chairpersons of Rajya Sabha

The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha nominates a panel of vice-chairpersons from among the members, according to the Rajya Sabha Rules.
In the absence of the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman, any of them can preside over the House.
When presiding, he has the same powers as the Chairman. Until a new panel of vice-chairpersons is nominated, he remains in office.
When a member of the panel of vice-chairpersons is also absent, the House appoints someone else to act as Chairman.
It is important to note that while the Chairman or Deputy Chairman positions are vacant, a member of the panel of vice chairpersons cannot preside over the House.
During that time, the Chairman’s responsibilities are to be carried out by any member of the House that the President may appoint for the purpose.
To fill the vacated positions, elections are held as quickly as practicable.