Zonal Councils in India were established to promote inter-state cooperation and coordination among different regions of the country. They play a crucial role in addressing regional challenges, fostering dialogue, and facilitating conflict resolution. Here’s more on when, how, and why they were set up:
Zonal Councils were set up in India in 1957, under the States Reorganization Act of 1956. This act aimed to reorganize the country's states and Union Territories along linguistic lines for administrative efficiency.
Zonal Councils were formed based on the recommendations of the States Reorganization Commission. The commission suggested the creation of these councils to promote cooperation among states and Union Territories that shared common cultural, linguistic, historical, or geographical features.
The primary objective of establishing Zonal Councils was to address the challenges and issues faced by states and Union Territories within a specific region. These councils serve as platforms for states to collaborate and find solutions to common problems. Zonal Councils were set up to ensure that regional interests are taken into account while making policy decisions at the central and state levels.
They play a crucial role in resolving inter-state disputes and conflicts, thereby promoting peace and harmony among neighboring regions. Moreover, Zonal Councils promote economic and social development by encouraging states to share best practices and coordinate on infrastructure projects, resource management, and more.
There are five Zonal Councils in India, each covering different regions of the country:
Each Zonal Council comprises a Chairman and members, including the Chief Ministers of the states and Union Territories within that zone. The Chairman is the ex-officio post of the Union Home Minister. Additionally, two senior ministers from each state and the Lieutenant Governors/Administrators of Union Territories are part of the council. The Chief Secretaries and other senior officers of the state governments and Union Territories, along with senior officers of the Central government, also participate in the council's meetings.
The 31st Northern Zonal Council (NZC) meeting in Amritsar is expected to address various issues, including water-related matters and the claim over Chandigarh. The meeting will involve discussions among Chief Ministers, senior ministers, and officials from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Chandigarh, with the aim of promoting cooperation and resolving regional challenges.
Overall, Zonal Councils were created to foster cooperation and understanding among states and Union Territories within a region, ultimately contributing to the balanced development of the entire country.
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