Question

Consider the following statements about the advisory role of Zonal Councils:

1. Advisors include the Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner of each state.

2. Advisors have the right to vote in council meetings.

3. The councils provide recommendations on economic and security issues.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• A. 1 and 3 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 only
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 3 only

Zonal Councils

• The Zonal Councils are advisory bodies established by the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.

• They aim to promote cooperation and coordination between the states and the Union Territories within a zone.

• Statement 1 is correct: Advisors to the Zonal Councils typically include senior state officials such as the Chief Secretary and the Development Commissioner of each constituent state.

• Statement 2 is incorrect: Advisors are appointed as per the advice of the respective state governments but do not have voting rights in the council meetings. Only the members of the council (Union Ministers and Chief Ministers/Ministers of states) have voting rights.

• Statement 3 is correct: The Zonal Councils deliberate and make recommendations on a wide range of issues, including matters related to economic and social planning, land reforms, drought or flood-affected areas, urban development, and security.

• The Union Home Minister acts as the Chairman of each Zonal Council, and the Chief Ministers of the states and Union Territories included in the zone serve as Vice-Chairmen by rotation.

• There are five Zonal Councils: Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern. The North-Eastern Council, though a statutory body, is different and has a broader scope.