Deputy Prime Minister of India facts for kids

The Deputy Prime Minister of India is a very important role in the Government of India. Even though it's not a position mentioned directly in the country's main rulebook (the Constitution), the person holding this job is the second-highest-ranking minister. They are a senior member of the group of ministers who help the Prime Minister run the country. If the Prime Minister is away, the Deputy Prime Minister steps in to help.

Quick facts for kids Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of India
Flag of India
State Emblem of India
Incumbent Vacant since 23 May 2004
Government of India
Style	The Honourable (formal) His Excellency (diplomatic) Mr. Deputy Prime Minister (informal)
Member of	Parliament of India Union Council of Ministers
Reports to	President of India Vice President of India Prime Minister of India Parliament of India
Nominator	Prime Minister of India
Appointer	President of India
Formation	15 August 1947; 78 years ago (1947-08-15)
First holder	Vallabhbhai Patel
Final holder	L. K. Advani

This position has not always been filled. In fact, it has only been used for about 10 years since India became independent 75 years ago. Since 1950, India has had 8 Deputy Prime Ministers. None of them served a full five-year term.

The very first Deputy Prime Minister was Vallabhbhai Patel from the Indian National Congress party. He started his role on August 15, 1947, the day India gained freedom from British rule. Patel served until he passed away in December 1950, making him the longest-serving Deputy Prime Minister.

After Patel, the position was empty for a long time. Then, Morarji Desai became the second Deputy Prime Minister in 1967. Both Morarji Desai and Charan Singh later went on to become Prime Ministers of India. Jagjivan Ram and Yashwantrao Chavan also served as Deputy Prime Ministers one after the other. Devi Lal is special because he was Deputy Prime Minister for two different political parties. The last person to hold this job was Lal Krishna Advani.

Currently, there is no Deputy Prime Minister in the Indian government. The position has been vacant since May 23, 2004.

Who Were India's Deputy Prime Ministers?

Here is a list of the people who have served as Deputy Prime Minister of India:

• Vallabhbhai Patel (1947–1950)
  • He was also the Minister of Home Affairs.
• Morarji Desai (1967–1969)
  • He also served as the Minister of Finance.
• Charan Singh (1979)
  • He was also the Minister of Finance.
• Jagjivan Ram (1979)
  • He also served as the Minister of Defence.
• Yashwantrao Chavan (1979–1980)
  • He was also the Minister of Home Affairs.
• Devi Lal (1989–1990 and 1990–1991)
  • He served twice and was also the Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Tourism.
• Lal Krishna Advani (2002–2004)
  • He was also the Minister of Home Affairs.

How Long Did They Serve?

Here's how long each Deputy Prime Minister served:

Timeline of the Deputy Prime Minister's Role

This timeline shows when the Deputy Prime Minister's position was active and when it was vacant.

Images for kids

• 

  Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister.

• 

  Morarji Desai, who also became Prime Minister.

• 

  Charan Singh, another Deputy Prime Minister who later became Prime Minister.

• 

  Jagjivan Ram

• 

  Yashwantrao Chavan

• 

  Devi Lal, who served two terms.

• 

  Lal Krishna Advani, the last person to hold the post.

See Also

• President of India
• Prime Minister of India