(d)The Sarpanch of the Grama Panchayat shall have the power to grant leave to the Secretary of the Grama Sasan for a period not exceeding thirty days in a calendar year during which he shall be allowed full pay and the Sarpanch shall entrust the work of the Secretary to a Ward Member who shall remain in formal charge of the Secretary. Leave exceeding thirty days in a calendar year and up to a period of six months, which shall be without pay, can be granted to a Secretary with the approval of the Grama Panchayat. The Grama Panchayat shall have the power to appoint temporarily a substitute in place of Secretary when he proceeds on leave or remains absent continuously for a period exceeding thirty days due to suspension or otherwise. Where the Secretary remains on leave for a period exceeding six months and/or remains absent from duty without proper authority, it should be deemed that his services have been terminated with effect from the expiry of the period of six months' leave and/or the date of unauthorised absence and under such event a new Secretary shall be appointed in the prescribed manner.