7.2. Functions and powers

1) to investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the socially and educationally backward classes under this Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force or under any order of the Government and to evaluate the working of such safeguards;

2) to inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the socially and educationally backward classes;

3) to participate and advise on the socio-economic development of the socially and educationally backward classes and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State;

4) to present to the President, annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards;

5) to make in such reports the recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or any State for the effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio-economic development of the socially and educationally backward classes; and

6) to discharge such other functions in relation to the protection, welfare and development and advancement of the socially and educationally backward classes as the President may, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, by rule specify.

The President shall cause all such reports 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.

The Commission shall, while investigating any matter or inquiring into any complaint, have all the powers of a civil court trying a suit and in particular in respect of the following matters, namely:

1) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person from any part of India and examining him on oath;

2) requiring the discovery and production of any document;

3) receiving evidence on affidavits;

4) requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office;

5) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses and documents;

6) any other matter which the President may, by rule, determine.