Powers and Functions of Commission

Powers and Functions of Commission:-

1. (1) It shall be the duty of the Commission to ensure proper implementation of this Act and to make suggestions to the Government for ensuring better delivery of services.
2. (2) For this purpose the Commission may: -
   • (i) entertain and dispose of appeals filed by the applicant or the Designated Officer and/or any other officer/official involved in the process of providing service, against the orders of the Authority;
   • (ii) carry out inspections of offices entrusted with the delivery of services and the offices of the Designated Officers or the Authority;
   • (iii) recommend Departmental action against any officer or employee of the Department, who has failed in due discharge of functions cast upon him under this Act;
   • (iv) recommend changes in procedures and process re-engineering for delivery of services which may make the delivery more transparent and easier: Provided that before making such a recommendation, the Commission shall consult the Administrative Secretary in charge of the respective Department which is to deliver the service;
   • (v) recommend additional services to be notified under section 3 and may also suggest modifications in the notifications already issued for better implementation of this Act;
   • (vi) issue general instructions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act for the guidance of Designated Officers and the Authority;
   • (vii) impose penalty on Designated Officer or any other official involved in the process of providing such service up to a sum of five thousand rupees;
   • (viii) review its decisions, directions and orders.
3. (3) Where the Commission is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to inquire into matters arising out of the provisions of this Act, it may, suo moto, initiate an inquiry in respect thereof.
4. (4) The Commission shall, while inquiring into any matter under this section, have the same powers as are vested in a Civil Court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, in respect of the following matters, namely:-
   • (i) summoning the parties;
   • (ii) receiving oral evidence on oath or written evidence on affidavits;
   • (iii) requiring the discovery and inspection of documents;
   • (iv) requisitioning of any public record from any office;
   • (v) obtaining copies of record from any court in accordance with law;
   • (vi) issuing summons for examination of witnesses or documents; and
   • (vii) any other matter, which may be prescribed.
5. (5) The Commission may frame its regulations for the conduct of its business and any such matter, as it may deem fit only after the approval of the Government.
6. (6) The Commission shall prepare an annual report regarding its activities and the status of disposal of the services included in the Act.