The Union Home Minister is set to preside over the 26th Western Zonal Council meeting in Gandhinagar. Zonal Councils, established in 1956 under the States Reorganisation Act, serve as advisory bodies to foster cooperation among the Centre and States. They address issues related to national integration, border disputes, linguistic minorities, and development projects. Each Zonal Council comprises the Union Home Minister as Chairman, Chief Ministers as Vice Chairmen by rotation, nominated Ministers, Union Territory members, and advisers. The North Eastern Council handles special concerns of northeastern states. These Councils exemplify Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision for integrated governance across India’s regions.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- States Reorganisation Act, 1956: Enacted to redefine India’s state boundaries and administrative divisions, leading to the establishment of Zonal Councils to promote cooperation and address regional challenges.
- National Integration: Zonal Councils contribute to fostering unity among states by resolving issues, thus furthering the goal of national integration.
- Chief Secretaries: These top administrative officers of states play a crucial role in Zonal Councils, serving as Secretaries by rotation to facilitate effective coordination.
- North Eastern Council: Responsible for addressing special problems of northeastern states, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Sikkim.
- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru: India’s first Prime Minister who initiated the concept of Zonal Councils as a means to enhance cooperation, mitigate regionalism, and promote holistic development.
