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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?

A1 and 2 only

B2 and 3 only

C1 only

D1, 2, and 3

Answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

Read Explanation:

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.

Related Questions:

Which of the following statements about the Attorney General's rights within the Indian Parliament are correct?
i. The Attorney General has the right to speak in the proceedings of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
ii. As the highest law officer, the Attorney General is granted the right to vote during a joint sitting of Parliament.
iii. The Attorney General can be named a member of any parliamentary committee and has the right to participate in its proceedings.

The office of the Attorney General of India is distinct in several ways. Which of the following statements accurately describe this unique position?
i. The Attorney General holds the right of audience in the Supreme Court and High Courts only.
ii. The President is constitutionally mandated to consult the Attorney General on all matters involving a substantial question of law.
iii. The office of the Attorney General is not a full-time counsel, and the holder is not debarred from private legal practice.

With reference to the role and independence of the CAG, consider the following statements:

i. The CAG is described as the guardian of the public purse and controls the entire financial system of the country at both the Centre and State levels.
ii. The CAG can be removed by the President only on the grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity, following a resolution by both Houses of Parliament with a special majority.
iii. The CAG is eligible for further office under the Government of India or any State after ceasing to hold office.
iv. The administrative expenses of the CAG’s office are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India and are not subject to the vote of Parliament.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Choose the correct statement(s) regarding the constitutional basis and scope of the State Finance Commission (SFC).

  1. The SFC is a constitutional body established under Article 243-I to review the financial position of Panchayats and under Article 243-Y for Municipalities.

  2. The SFC's recommendations are exclusively focused on the distribution of taxes and do not cover grants-in-aid from the state.

Consider the following statements about the CAG’s appointment and removal:

(i) The CAG is appointed by the President and can resign by submitting a letter to the Prime Minister.

(ii) The CAG can be removed by the President in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge.

(iii) The CAG’s salary is equivalent to that of a Supreme Court judge, as determined by the Parliament.

Which of the statement(s) is/are NOT TRUE?