Without prejudice to the provisions contained in section 14, the Centre shall strive,--
         ¹[(a) to facilitate the conduct of conciliation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution mechanism, both international and domestic, in the manner as may be specified by the regulations;]
         (b) to provide cost effective and timely services for the conduct of arbitration and conciliation at national and international level;
         (c) to promote studies in the field of alternative dispute resolution and related matters, and to promote reforms in the system of settlement of disputes;
         (d) to undertake teaching and to provide for diffusion of knowledge of law and procedures on alternative dispute resolution and related matters and to award certificates and other academic or professional distinction;
         (e) to impart training in alternative dispute resolution and related matters to those who are handling arbitration, conciliation and mediation;
         (f) to co-operate with other societies, institutions and organisations, national or international for promoting alternative dispute resolution; and
         (g) to perform such other functions as may be entrusted to it by the Central Government for promoting alternative dispute resolution.