(1) The Council shall render advice to the State Government on—
(a) formulating specific action plans for comprehensive socio-economic development of the Scheduled Castes in West Bengal;
(b) various ways to address the shortcomings of the Scheduled Castes communities in availing the opportunities in education and employment and facilitate them in availing these opportunities;
(c) existence of specific geographical and special disadvantages faced by the villages and habitats with dominant Scheduled Castes population and the ways to address these through the concerned Departments;
(d) the livelihood opportunities for the Scheduled Castes communities and how to harness these opportunities;
(e) the proper ways and means for convergence of activities of various Departments of the State Government and pooling of resources for holistic development of Scheduled Castes communities;
(f) activities under special component plan by various Departments for addressing specific developmental needs of the Scheduled Castes communities;
(g) promotion and development of specific cultural practice of Scheduled Castes communities, their traditional folksongs and dance forms;
Secretarial Service to the Council.
Vacancy, etc. not to invalidate the proceedings of the Council.
Procedure to be regulated by the Council.
PART III] THE KOLKATA GAZETTE, EXTRAORDINARY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 5 The West Bengal Scheduled Castes Advisory Council Act, 2017.
(Chapter IV.—Miscellaneous.—Sections 10-15.)
(h) protection and preservation of historical and cultural landmarks, objects, structures, festivals of Scheduled Castes communities;
(i) any other matters which may be referred to it by the State Government.
(2) In the discharge of its functions under sub- section (1), the Council shall have power to call for any information with respect to any matter specified in that subsection from the State Government, local or any other authority.
CHAPTER IV Miscellaneous Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Members and staff of the Council to be Public Servant.
Delegation of powers.
Protection of action taken in good faith.
Power to make rules.
Power to make regulations by the Council.
Power to remove difficulties.
10. The Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson and other members, shall be deemed to be the public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code.
11. The Council may, by general or specific order delegate to the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson or any member or to the Secretary of the Council subject to such conditions and limitations, if any, as may be specified therein, such of its powers and duties under this Act as it may deem fit.
12. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the State Government, the Council, the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson, other members or the Secretary of the Council for anything which is done in good faith or intended to be done under this Act.