Section 17 in The Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011
17. Powers and functions of the Punjab Right to Service Commission.
(1)It shall be the duty of the Commission to ensure proper implementation of this Act and to make suggestions to the State Government for ensuring better delivery of services. For this purpose the Commission may, -(a)entertain and dispose of revisions under section 10;(b)take suo moto notice of failure to deliver service in accordance with this Act and refer such cases for decision to the First Appellate Authority or the Second Appellate Authority or pass such order itself as may be appropriate;(c)carry out inspections of offices entrusted with the delivery of services and the offices of the First Appellate Authority and the Second Appellate Authority;(d)recommend Departmental action against any officer or employee of the State Government who has failed in due discharge of functions cast upon him under this Act;(e)recommend changes in procedures for delivery of services which will 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 Department which is to deliver the service;(f)recommend additional notifications to be notified under section 3 and may also suggest modifications in the notifications already issued for better implementation of this Act; and(g)issue general instructions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act for the guidance of Designated officers, the First Appellate Authorities and the Second Appellate Authorities.(2)Where the Commission is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to inquire into a matter arising out of the provisions of this Act, it may, suo moto, initiate an inquiry in respect thereof.(3)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: -(a)summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons, compelling them to give oral or written evidence on oath and producing documents or things;(b)requiring the discovery and inspection of documents;(c)receiving evidence on affidavits;(d)requisitioning any public records or copies thereof from any court or office;(e)issuing summons for examination of witnesses or documents; and(f)any other matter which may be prescribed.(4)The Commission may frame its regulations for the conduct of its business and any such matter, as the Commission may deem fit.
