Question

Consider the following statements about the functioning of Zonal Councils:

1. Each Chief Minister in the zone acts as vice-chairman by rotation.

2. The councils meet annually to discuss regional issues.

3. The councils have the authority to enforce economic policies.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

Zonal Councils in India

• Purpose: Zonal Councils are statutory, advisory bodies established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. They aim to promote cooperation and coordination between states and the Union Territories within a zone on various matters of common interest.

• Composition: Each Zonal Council includes a Union Minister as the chairman, appointed by the President. The Chief Minister of each state within the zone serves as the vice-chairman by rotation for a period of one year. Other members include the Chief Minister, two other cabinet ministers from each state, and administrators of Union Territories within the zone.

• Meetings: The Zonal Councils typically meet at least twice a year, although statement 2 suggests annually. These meetings are crucial for discussing and resolving regional issues, fostering inter-state relations, and promoting balanced economic and social development.

• Functions: Their functions include advising on matters of common interest in economic and social planning, border disputes, linguistic minorities, environmental conservation, and other miscellaneous issues.

• Limitations: Crucially, Zonal Councils do not have the authority to enforce economic policies (statement 3). They are advisory in nature, and their recommendations are subject to the consideration and approval of the concerned state governments and the Central government.

• Zones: There are five Zonal Councils: Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern. The North-Eastern Council, established by the North-Eastern Council Act, 1972, is a statutory body with a different composition and functions, though it shares some objectives.