Question

Consider the following statements about Zonal Councils in India:

1. Zonal Councils are constitutional bodies established under Article 263.

2. The Home Minister of the Central Government acts as the common chairman of all Zonal Councils.

3. The North-Eastern Council was established under the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 2 only

• Zonal Councils are statutory bodies, not constitutional ones. They were established by the States Reorganisation Act of 1956. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.
• The Zonal Councils were created to foster cooperation and coordination among states. The Union Home Minister is the ex-officio chairman of all these councils. The Chief Ministers and two other cabinet ministers from each state in the zone are members. The Lieutenant Governors of the Union Territories in the zone are also members. Therefore, statement 2 is correct.
• The North-Eastern Council was established by a separate Act of Parliament, the North-Eastern Council Act of 1972. It is a statutory body aimed at ensuring balanced socio-economic development of the North-Eastern region. The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 primarily dealt with the reorganisation of states and the formation of Zonal Councils for other regions. Therefore, statement 3 is incorrect.
• There are five Zonal Councils: Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern.
• The main objectives of Zonal Councils include promoting inter-state coordination, preventing disputes, and discussing matters of common interest.