16. (1) If a vacancy occurs in the office of Chairman or if the Chairman is unable to discharge the functions of his office on account of absence, illness or any other cause, ¹[a member elected by the Union Parishad under sub-section (1A) from amongst the members] shall act as Acting Chairman until a new Chairman elected to fill such vacancy enters upon his office or until the Chairman resumes the functions of his office, as the case may be. ²[(1A) An election of Acting Chairman shall be held in such manner as may be directed by the Government.] (2) At any time when the Acting Chairman is unable to discharge the functions of his office on account of absence, illness or any other cause, another member elected by the Union Parishad from amongst the ³[* * *] members shall act as Acting Chairman until a new Chairman elected to fill such vacancy enters upon his office or until the Acting Chairman resumes the functions of his office, as the case may be.