Consequences of reduction of term of office

Upon expiration of the term of office of the members of the Grama Panchayats under section 3,- (a) during the period beginning with the date of commencement of this Act and until the newly elected members of the Grama Panchayat and its Sarpanch assume office, the powers and functions of the Grama Panchayat and its Sarpanch shall be exercised and discharged by the Grama Panchayat Extension Officer having jurisdiction over the concerned Grama or by any other Officer authorised by the State Government in that behalf; (b) the election of members (including the Sarpanch) for the reconstitution of the said Grama Panchayats shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the Grama Panchayat Act and the rules made thereunder within a period of three years from the aforesaid date : Provided that the election of members (including the Sarpanch) for the reconstitution of the Grama Panchayats specified in the schedule shall be held within a period of three years and six months from the aforesaid date. (c) the Grama Panchayats so reconstituted shall, for all purposes be deemed to have been constituted under, and be governed by the provisions of the Grama Panchayat Act and the Rules made thereunder.