9. Functions of the Commission.—(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;
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(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.