55. Executive functions of Sarpanch, or Upa-Sarpanch. - (1) Save as otherwise expressly provided by or under this Act, the executive power, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act and the resolutions passed by a village panchayat shall vest in the Sarpanch thereof who shall be directly responsible for the due fulfilment of the duties imposed upon the panchayat by or under this Act. In the absence of the Sarpanch his power and duties shall, save as may be otherwise prescribed by rules, be exercised and performed by the Upa-Sarpanch.
(2)Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision:-(a)the Sarpanch shall-(i)preside over and regulate the meeting of the panchayat;(ii)exercise supervision and control over the acts done and actions taken by all officers and servants of the panchayat;(iii)incur contingent expenditure upto fifty rupees at any one occasion;(iv)operate on the fund of the panchayat including authorisation of payment, issue of cheques and refunds;(v)be responsible for the safe custody of the fund of the panchayat,(vi)cause to prepare all statements and reports required by or under this Act;(vii)exercise such other powers and discharge such other functions as may be conferred or imposed upon him by this Act or rules made thereunder.(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.(3)In the absence of both the Sarpanch and the Upa-Sarpanch, every meeting of the panchayat shall be presided over by such one of the members present as may be chosen by the meeting to be Chairman for the occasions.(4)Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (iv) of sub-section (2), no money shall be withdrawn from the fund of the panchayat except with the signature of the [Sarpanch and the Secretary.]
