What Is The Salary Of The Vice President? These are the benefits available from the government
Vice President Salary, Perks, and Lifetime Benefits of India’s Second-Highest Post: In a significant political development, NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India, defeating opposition-backed candidate B. Sudarshan Reddy by a margin of 152 votes. The election saw participation from 767 Members of Parliament, with 752 valid votes and 15 invalid ballots. Radhakrishnan secured 452 first-preference votes, while Reddy garnered 300.
With his victory, Radhakrishnan steps into a role that is not only constitutionally significant but also comes with substantial salary, allowances, and lifetime benefits.
Vice President’s Salary: Not Just Zero on Paper
Though the Vice President’s official salary is listed as ₹0 in constitutional terms, in reality, the person holding this office receives a monthly income of ₹4 lakh. Here’s how:
- As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President is entitled to a salary and allowances equivalent to that of the Upper House’s presiding officer.
- A Dearness Allowance (DA) is also included, which is revised from time to time.
Facilities and Perks as Vice President
Upon assuming office, the Vice President receives a wide range of privileges:
- Official Residence in New Delhi (Type-8 bungalow)
- Z+ Security cover
- Bulletproof vehicles and a luxury car cavalcade
- Unlimited train and air travel
- Landline and mobile phone services
- Diplomatic passport
- Medical facilities for self and family
- Protocol and hotel booking facilities during domestic and foreign trips
- Educational fee waivers for children in government institutions
These benefits reflect the high stature and responsibilities attached to the post.
Lifetime Benefits After Retirement
Even after leaving office, the Vice President continues to receive significant government support, including:
- Lifetime pension of 50% of the current salary (i.e., ₹2 lakh per month)
- Continued stay in a Type-8 government bungalow
- Support staff, including personal secretary, assistant, doctor, and security
- Access to government hospitality and protocol services
In the event of the Vice President’s demise, the spouse is provided with:
- A Type-7 bungalow
- Security and limited personal support staff
- Select government facilities, continuing the dignity of the office
Why the Role Matters
The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional authority in India after the President and plays a crucial role in the functioning of Parliament, especially the Rajya Sabha. He also acts as President in the latter’s absence or if the office becomes vacant due to any reason.
How is the Vice President of India Elected?
The Vice President is elected indirectly through a system known as the Single Transferable Vote (STV), under Proportional Representation. The public does not vote directly. Instead, Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha cast their votes via a secret ballot.
What is the Single Transferable Vote System?
If there are multiple candidates, MPs rank them in order of preference (1, 2, 3…). If no candidate gets the required number of first-preference votes, the second preferences are considered, and so on, until one candidate secures a majority. This method ensures fair representation and avoids the need for multiple rounds of voting.
Why is the Vice President’s Salary Technically Zero?
Interestingly, the Vice President’s official salary is listed as ₹0 in government documents. However, this does not mean he works for free. Here’s why:
- As per Article 66 of the Constitution, the Vice President does not receive a salary for being VP.
- But he serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, for which he receives the salary of a Rajya Sabha Chairperson.
Thus, the Vice President receives around ₹4 lakh per month, including salary and allowances. This includes:
- Daily allowances
- Travel allowance
- Housing
- Security and other perks
So, while the basic salary is zero, the overall remuneration package is quite substantial.
Why is the Post of Vice President So Important?
The Vice President holds the second-highest constitutional post in India. His key roles include:
- Presiding over Rajya Sabha
- Acting as President in case of the President’s absence, resignation, death, or removal
This position combines constitutional responsibility, legislative authority, and ceremonial importance. Due to this, the Vice President is entitled to numerous privileges, such as:
- Official residence
- Free medical care
- Free travel facilities
- Lifetime pension after retirement
Complete List of Vice Presidents of India (1952–2025)
| S. No | Name | Term |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | 13 May 1952 – 12 May 1962 |
| 2 | Dr. Zakir Husain | 13 May 1962 – 12 May 1967 |
| 3 | V. V. Giri | 13 May 1967 – 3 May 1969 |
| 4 | Gopal Swarup Pathak | 31 Aug 1969 – 30 Aug 1974 |
| 5 | B. D. Jatti | 31 Aug 1974 – 30 Aug 1979 |
| 6 | Mohammad Hidayatullah | 31 Aug 1979 – 30 Aug 1984 |
| 7 | R. Venkataraman | 31 Aug 1984 – 24 July 1987 |
| 8 | Shankar Dayal Sharma | 3 Sept 1987 – 24 July 1992 |
| 9 | K. R. Narayanan | 21 Aug 1992 – 24 July 1997 |
| 10 | Krishan Kant | 21 Aug 1997 – 27 July 2002 |
| 11 | Bhairon Singh Shekhawat | 19 Aug 2002 – 21 July 2007 |
| 12 | Hamid Ansari | 11 Aug 2007 – 10 Aug 2017 |
| 13 | M. Venkaiah Naidu | 11 Aug 2017 – 10 Aug 2022 |
| 14 | Jagdeep Dhankhar | 11 Aug 2022 – 21 July 2025 |
| 15 | To be elected on 9 Sept 2025 | New Vice President to assume office |
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