(1) The Commission shall perform all or any of the following functions, namely:--
- (a) evaluate the progress of the development of minorities under the Union and States;
- (b) monitor the working of the safeguards provided in the Constitution and in laws enacted by Parliament and the State Legislatures;
- (c) make recommendations for the effective implementation of safeguards for the protection of the interests of minorities by the Central Government or the State Governments;
- (d) look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguards of the minorities and take up such matters with the appropriate authorities;
- (e) cause studies to be undertaken into problems arising out of any discrimination against minorities and recommend measures for their removal;
- (f) conduct studies, research and analysis on the issues relating to socio-economic and educational development of minorities;
- (g) suggest appropriate measures in respect of any minority to be undertaken by the Central Government or the State Governments;
- (h) make periodical or special reports to the Central Government on any matter pertaining to minorities and in particular difficulties confronted by them; and
- (i) any other matter which may be referred to it by the Central Government.
(2) The Central Government shall cause the recommendations referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (1) to be laid before each House of Parliament along with a memorandum explaining the action taken or proposed to be taken on the recommendations relating to the Union and the reasons for the non-acceptance, if any, of any of such recommendations.
(3) Where any recommendation referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (1) or any part thereof with which any State Government is concerned, the Commission shall forward a copy of such recommendation or part to such State Government who shall cause it to be laid before the Legislature of the State along with a memorandum explaining the action taken or proposed to be taken on the recommendations relating to the State and the reasons for the non-acceptance, if any, of any of such recommendation or part.
(4) The Commission shall, while performing any of the functions mentioned in sub-clauses (a), (b) and (d) of sub-section (1), have all the powers of a civil court trying a suit and in particular, in respect of the following matters, namely:--
- (a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person from any part of India and examining him on oath;
- (b) requiring the discovery and production of any document;
- (c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
- (d) requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office;
- (e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses and documents; and
- (f) any other matter which may be prescribed.
