The *Vice-President's Pension Act, 1997* (Act No. 30 of 1997) was enacted to formalize the pension and post-retirement benefits for individuals who have served as the Vice-President of India. The Act ensures financial security and privileges for retired Vice-Presidents and their families, aligning with the dignity of the office. It was passed on 28th May 1997 during the 48th year of the Republic of India and has undergone several amendments to expand and refine its provisions.

Pension for Retiring Vice-Presidents (Section 2)
A retiring Vice-President is entitled to a lifetime pension equivalent to 50% of their salary at the time of retirement. This applies whether they complete their term or resign.
Exceptions: The pension is suspended if the retiree holds another office (e.g., Prime Minister, Minister, or MP) with a salary drawn from the Consolidated Fund of India or a State.
Family Pension: If a Vice-President dies in office or after retirement, their spouse receives 50% of the pension amount for life.

Additional Benefits (Section 2(2))
Residence: Free furnished accommodation (including maintenance) for life.
Telephone Facilities: Equivalent to those provided to MPs.
Secretarial Staff: Includes a Private Secretary, Additional Private Secretary, Personal Assistant, and two peons, with office expenses up to ₹90,000 annually (revised in 2018).
Medical Facilities: The retiree and their spouse/minor children receive the same medical benefits as a retired President.
Travel: Free highest-class travel (air/rail/steamer) across India for the retiree, spouse, or a companion.

1997: The original Act provided a pension of ₹20,000/month (later revised to 50% of salary).
1999 Amendment: Expanded benefits to include furnished residences, travel perks, and restrictions on dual office-holding.
2002 Amendment: Introduced family pension and free accommodation for spouses of deceased Vice-Presidents.
2008 Amendment: Increased office expenses to ₹60,000 (later raised to ₹90,000 in 2018) and clarified rules for furnished residences.
2018 Amendment: Updated monetary limits for office expenses.
The Act reflects India’s commitment to honoring its high constitutional officers post-retirement. By ensuring financial stability and dignified living conditions, it upholds the prestige of the Vice-Presidential office while preventing misuse through safeguards like the suspension of benefits during re-election. The amendments demonstrate responsiveness to evolving needs, such as enhancing spousal support and adjusting for inflation.