Chapter III Chapter III

Functions and Powers of the Commission

1. (1) It shall be the function of the Commission-
   • (a) to act as watch-dog commission for the protection afforded to the members of the backward classes under the Constitution and under any other law for the time being in force.
   • (b) to watch the proper and timely implementation of programmes meant for the Welfare of backward classes and to suggest improvement in such programmes of the State Government or any other body or authority responsible for implementation of such programmes.
   • (c) tender advice regarding reservation for backward classes in public services and for admission in educational institutions.
   • (d) to examine requests for inclusion of any of the citizens as backward classes in the list prepared by State Government from time to time for purposes of making provision for the reservation in appointments in the posts and here complaints of over-inclusion or under-inclusion of any backward class in such lists and tender such advice to the State Government as it deems appropriate;
   • (e) ascertain the category of person groups falling under the creamy layer within the backward classes;
   • (f) to perform such other functions as may be assigned to it by the State Government.
2. (2) The advice of the Commission shall, ordinarily be binding upon the State Government; where, however, the Government does not accept the advice, it shall record its reasons therefore.

The Commission shall, while performing its functions under sub-section (1) of Section 9, have all the powers of a Civil Court trying a suit and in particular, in respect of the following matters, namely :-,

1. (a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person from any part of the State and examining him on oath;
2. (b) requiring the discovery and production of any document;
3. (c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
4. (d) requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office;
5. (e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses and documents; and
6. (f) any other matter which may be prescribed.