Save as otherwise provided in this Act, the term of office of-

1. (a) the members of a village panchayat, and
2. (b) the Sarpanch and Upa-Sarpanch of a village panchayat, shall be co-extensive with the duration of the panchayat. 54. (1) (a) The Sarpanch may resign from his office by tendering his resignation

in writing to the Competent authority but the resignation shall not take effect

until it is accepted by the competent authority.

1. (b) The Upa-Sarpanch may resign from his office by tendering his resignation in writing to the panchayat but the resignation shall not take effect untill it is accepted by the panchayat.

1. (2) Any other member of the panchayat may resign from his office by tendering his resignation to the Sarpanch and the resignation shall take effect on the date on which it is accepted by the Sarpanch.
2. (3) If any dispute regarding any resignation arises, it shall be referred for

decision to such officer, as the State Government may, by general or special order,

appoint in that behalf and the decision of such officer shall be final: