Question

Consider the following statements about the legal framework of Zonal Councils:

1. They were established under the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.

2. The North-Eastern Council was created under a separate act.

3. Zonal Councils operate under the provisions of Article 263 of the Constitution.

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

• Establishment: The Zonal Councils were indeed set up by the States Reorganisation Act of 1956. This act was a landmark piece of legislation that reorganized the states of India on a linguistic basis and also facilitated the creation of these inter-state bodies.

  • Purpose: The primary aim of establishing Zonal Councils was to foster cooperative federalism and address regional issues through coordinated planning and action between the Centre and the states, as well as among the states themselves.

• North-Eastern Council: Statement 2 is correct. The North-Eastern Council was established under the North-Eastern Council Act of 1971. This is a distinct legislative provision, separate from the States Reorganisation Act, reflecting the unique developmental and security needs of the northeastern region.

  • Composition: The North-Eastern Council includes the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.

• Constitutional Article: Statement 3 is incorrect. While Article 263 of the Constitution provides for the establishment of an Inter-State Council to facilitate coordination between states and between the Union and the states, the Zonal Councils are statutory bodies created by an Act of Parliament, not directly under this Article. The Inter-State Council is a separate constitutional body with a broader mandate.

  • Zonal Council Structure: There are five Zonal Councils: Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern.

  • Membership: Each Zonal Council comprises the Union Home Minister as the Chairman, the Chief Minister of each state in the zone, and two other ministers from each state.

  • Advisory Role: Zonal Councils are primarily advisory bodies that discuss matters of common interest related to economic and social planning, inter-state transport, land reforms, security, etc. They aim to achieve a balanced and integrated development of the regions.