Section 55(2)(b) in The Gujarat Panchayats Act, 1993
(b)the Upa-Sarpanch shall(i)in the absence of the sarpanch preside over and regulate the meetings of the panchayat;(ii)exercise such of the powers and perform such of the duties of the Sarpanch as the Sarpanch may, from time to time delegate to him;(iii)in case the Sarpanch has been continuously absent from the village for more than fifteen days or is incapacitated to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Sarpanch.