Zonal Councils in India are regional cooperative bodies that aim to foster coordination and cooperation among states and union territories within specific zones. The establishment of Zonal Councils is provided for by Article 263 of the Indian Constitution. The primary purpose of these councils is to promote inter-state cooperation and address common issues affecting the regions they cover.
Composition:
- Northern Zonal Council:
- Comprising the states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and the Union Territories of Chandigarh and Delhi.
- Central Zonal Council:
- Comprising the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
- Eastern Zonal Council:
- Comprising the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
- Western Zonal Council:
- Comprising the states of Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the Union Territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
- Southern Zonal Council:
- Comprising the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
- South Central Zonal Council:
- Comprising the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and the Union Territories of Puducherry and Yanam.
- North Eastern Zonal Council:
- Comprising the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
- Islands Zonal Council:
- Comprising the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
Functions:
- Promotion of Inter-State Cooperation:
- The primary function of Zonal Councils is to promote cooperation and coordination among states and union territories within a specific zone.
- Discussion on Common Issues:
- Zonal Councils provide a platform for states to discuss and resolve common issues that affect the region, such as economic development, infrastructure, and security.
- Resolution of Disputes:
- The councils facilitate the resolution of disputes and differences among states through mutual discussions and consensus-building.
- Review of Development Projects:
- Zonal Councils review and monitor the progress of ongoing development projects in the region, ensuring that they align with the overall developmental goals.
- Sharing of Best Practices:
- States within a zone share best practices, experiences, and successful models of governance and development for mutual learning.
- Promotion of Uniform Policies:
- The councils work towards promoting uniform policies and practices within the zone, ensuring consistency and coherence in governance.
- Implementation of Schemes:
- States collaborate on the implementation of centrally-sponsored schemes and programs to ensure effective utilization of resources and benefits.
- Joint Planning:
- Zonal Councils engage in joint planning exercises to identify and prioritize regional development needs and formulate strategies for balanced growth.
- Capacity Building:
- Capacity-building initiatives are undertaken to enhance the administrative and technical capabilities of states within a zone.
- Security Coordination:
- Zonal Councils play a role in coordinating efforts related to internal security, especially in border regions, to address issues related to law and order and other security concerns.
- Resource Sharing:
- The councils facilitate resource-sharing mechanisms among states, promoting equitable distribution of resources within the zone.
- Infrastructure Development:
- Collaboration on infrastructure projects, such as transportation and connectivity, is a key function to enhance economic development and regional connectivity.
Zonal Councils serve as important platforms for promoting regional cooperation and addressing common challenges faced by states within a zone. They contribute to the overall development and integration of regions, fostering a spirit of mutual understanding and collaboration among states and union territories.
