New Delhi

Rajya Sabha on Thursday reconstituted its panel of vice-chairpersons, nominating six members from the Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Biju Janata Dal, with effect from April 15.

The reconstituted panel includes Dinesh Sharma, S. Phangnon Konyak and Ghanshyam Tiwari from the BJP; Phulo Devi Netam from the Congress; M. Thambidurai from the AIADMK; and Sasmit Patra from the BJD.

Members of the panel preside over the House when both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman are absent. While occupying the chair, they exercise the same powers as the Chairperson in conducting proceedings, maintaining order, regulating debate and ensuring smooth functioning of the House.

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Unlike the Deputy Chairman, who holds a standing constitutional office, members of the vice-chairpersons’ panel do not hold a permanent post and serve on a rotational basis as required.