Main Functions of Uttar Pradesh Minorities Commission

According to the provisions of Section 9 of the Uttar Pradesh Minorities Commission Act 1994, the main functions of the Uttar Pradesh Minorities Commission Act are as follows :

9.(1) The Commission shall undertake all or any of the following functions, namely:

• To evaluate the progress of the development of the minorities in Uttar Pradesh,
• To monitor the implementation of safeguards provided in the constitutions and in the laws enacted by the State Legislature for the protection of minorities,
• To make recommendations to the government for the effective implementation of measures for the protection of the interests of minorities,
• To looks into specific complaints regarding deprivations of rights and to take up such matters with the appropriate authorities.
• To study the problems arising out of any discrimination against minorities and to recommend measures for their resolution,
• To conduct studies, research , and analysis on issues relating to the social, economic, educational and educational development of minorities,
• To suggest appropriate measures to be taken by the government in relation to any matter concerning a minority,
• To submit a periodic or special reports to the government on any matter relating to a minorities, and particularly on the difficulties faced by them,
• Any other matter that may be referred to it by the State Government.

2. The Government shall lay before each house of the State Legislature a memorandum explaining the action taken or proposed to be taken on the recommendations referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (1), and where any such recommendation has not been accepted , the reason for such non-acceptance.
3. While performing the acts mentioned in clauses (a), (b), and (d) of sub-section (1), the Commission shall have all the powers of a civil court while trying a suit, particularly in relation to the following matters:
   1. Summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining them 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 as may be prescribed.

4. In carrying out the above functions, the Uttar Pradesh Minorities Commission sends complaints received from minorities regarding the protection of their rights and interests to the concerned departments/officials for investigation and obtains reports on the actions taken. Thereafter, appropriate directives are issued for necessary action. For complaints of a serious nature concerning the protection of minority interests, the Commission issues summons to the concerned officials and conducts hearings to resolve the issues.
5. The following six communities are included in the category of minorities: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis.
6. In this context, to raise awareness among minorities about their rights and interests, and about various welfare schemes and programs, and to recommend appropriate actions to the Central and State Governments on related matters, as well as to promote their educational, social, and economic development, the Uttar Pradesh Minorities Commission organizes Minorities Rights Day every year on 18th December.