Question

Assertion (A): Zonal Councils are statutory bodies established to promote inter-state cooperation and coordination.

Reason (R): They were created under the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 to address issues like economic development and law and order.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
• D. Both (A) and (R) are false.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Zonal Councils in India

• Origin and Purpose: Zonal Councils are advisory bodies established by an Act of Parliament, not by the Constitution. They were created under the States Reorganisation Act of 1956. Their primary objective is to foster cooperation and coordination among states and between states and the Union Government on matters of common interest.
• Role of the Union Government: The Union Home Minister is the chairman of each Zonal Council. The Union Minister of State (independent charge) for the relevant ministry is also a member. The Chief Ministers and two other cabinet ministers from each constituent state are members of the council in their zone.
• Functions: These councils deliberate on a wide range of issues including:
  • Economic and social planning
  • Inter-state commerce and industry
  • Land reforms, land acquisition
  • Urban development and housing
  • Transport and communication
  • Irrigation and flood control
  • Energy, education, and food and civil supplies
  • Law and order
  • Cultural affairs
  • Forestry and environment
• Establishment of Zones: The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 divided the country into five zones:
  • Northern Zonal Council: Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Chandigarh.
  • Central Zonal Council: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
  • Eastern Zonal Council: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
  • Western Zonal Council: Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
  • Southern Zonal Council: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Puducherry is also a member.
• Inclusion of Union Territories: Some Union Territories are included as members in Zonal Councils corresponding to their geographical location.
• Distinction from Statutory Bodies: While established by an Act of Parliament, they function as advisory bodies. They do not possess legislative or executive powers but provide recommendations to the central and state governments.
• Recent Developments: The Inter-State Council, established under Article 263 of the Constitution, is a higher body that addresses issues of national importance. The Zonal Councils often act as a preparatory forum for issues discussed in the Inter-State Council.