Powers and functions of Deputy Chairman of Panchayat Samitis.

1. (1) The Deputy Chairman of a Panchayat Samiti shall—
   • (a) in the absence of the Chairman, preside at the meetings of the Panchayat Samiti;
   • (b) exercise such of the powers and perform such of the duties of the Chairman of the Panchayat Samiti as the Chairman from time to time may, subject to the rules made by the State Government in that behalf, delegate to him by an order in writing; and
   • (c) pending the election of the Chairman, or during the absence of the Chairman 1[from the District, or by reason of leave, for a period exceeding thirty days] exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Chairman.
2. (2) The Deputy Chairman of a Panchayat Samiti may enter on and inspect any immovable property in the Block occupied by the Zilla Parishad, or any institution in the Block under the control and management of the Zilla Parishad or the Panchayat Samiti or any work or development scheme

in progress in the Block undertaken by the Zilla Parishad or the Panchayat Samiti or under its

direction and shall send a report of such inspection to the Chairman of the Panchayat Samiti.