3. (1) Notwithstanding any thing contained in the ccsution of omce of Panchay& Smiti Act, tllc Chairman, Vice

(1) Notwithstanding any thing contained in the Panchayat Smiti Act, tllc Chairman, Vice-Chainn an Chairnun, and member*^, if any, elected under st~b-sacti~~ (2) of section 16 of the Panchayat Sa~niti Act, of a Panclla- yat Sarniti, holding ofice immediately prior to th, appointed date, who were elected to thc said ofices at any time durins the period between tho 25th day of June, 1975 and the 21st day of March, 1977, shall cease to hold office with effect from the appointed date. (2) Election for filling up vacancies so caused in thc offices of Chairman, Vice-chairman and members, if any, shall be held within a period of three months from the appointed date in accordance with tbe provision; of the Panchayat Samiti Act and -the rules made thereunder : Provided that the Govorment may, by notifica- tion, for sufficient cause, which shaLI be stated therein, extend the aforesaid period, from time to time, by such period as may be specified in thc notification, so, however, that the total poriod shall not exceed '[four years] (3) During tho period beginning with tho appointed date and until the newly elccted Chairman assumes office, the powers and functions of the Chairman shall be exercised and discharged by t h ~ Subdivisional Officor having jurisdiction over the concerned Block. (4) Thc Chairman, Viw-Chairman and the members, if any, elected in pursuance of sub-section (2), shall, for all purposes, be deemed to havo been elected under the Panchayat Samiti Act and rules made thereunder and shall, subjact: to the provisions of the Act, hold ofice for three yaars.