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Which of the following is/are correct regarding the advisors to the Zonal Councils?

i. A person nominated by the NITI Aayog is associated with the Zonal Council as an advisor.

ii. The Development Commissioner of each state in the zone has voting rights in the council meetings.

iii. The Chief Secretary of each state in the zone is an advisor to the Zonal Council.

AOnly i

BOnly i and iii

COnly ii and iii

DAll of the above (i, ii, and iii)

Answer:

B. Only i and iii

Read Explanation:

Zonal Councils and their Advisors

  • The Zonal Councils are advisory bodies established by the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. They are not constitutional bodies.
  • There are five Zonal Councils: Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern. The North-Eastern Council is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament in 1971.
  • Each Zonal Council has a Vice-Chairman, who is the Union Minister nominated by the President, and a Secretary.
  • Advisors play a crucial role in the functioning of Zonal Councils.

Key Advisors and their Roles:

  • NITI Aayog Representative: A person nominated by the NITI Aayog serves as an advisor to the Zonal Council. This ensures alignment with national development goals and policies.
  • Chief Secretary: The Chief Secretary of each state included in the zone acts as an advisor to the Zonal Council. This provides valuable state-level administrative perspective.
  • Development Commissioner: The Development Commissioner of each state in the zone also acts as an advisor. They bring expertise on developmental issues and projects.
  • Other Advisors: The Zonal Council may invite other persons to attend its meetings as advisors, based on the agenda and requirements.

Voting Rights:

  • Advisors do not have voting rights in the meetings of the Zonal Council. The primary members, which include the Union Home Minister (ex-officio Chairman for all Zonal Councils), Chief Ministers, and two other ministers from each state in the zone, are the ones who hold voting rights.
  • The Union Home Minister is the ex-officio Chairman of all Zonal Councils.

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