Section 54C(3) in The Maharashtra Village Panchayats Act, 1959
(3)The first meeting of the Gram sabha in every financial year shall be presided over by the Sarpanch, or in his absence by the Upa-Sarpanch. In the absence of the Sarpanch and Upa-Sarpanch, the members of the Gram sabha shall elect one of the members of the panchayat present to preside. All other meetings in the financial year shall be presided by such persons who shall be elected by the majority of the members of the Gram sabha.
