Question

With reference to the composition of Zonal Councils, consider the following statements:

1. Each Zonal Council includes the Chief Ministers of all states in the zone.

2. Advisors to the Zonal Councils, such as the Chief Secretary of each state, have voting rights.

3. The Administrator of each Union Territory in the zone is a member of the Zonal Council.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 3 only

Zonal Councils

• Establishment: Zonal Councils were established by the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. They are advisory bodies aimed at fostering cooperation and coordination among states on various issues.

• Zones: India is divided into five zones: Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern.

• Membership: Each Zonal Council comprises:

  • Chairman: The Union Home Minister is the ex-officio Chairman of all Zonal Councils.

  • Vice-Chairman: The Union Minister of State, in charge of the Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs, is the ex-officio Vice-Chairman of all Zonal Councils.

  • Members: The Chief Minister of each state within the zone is a member. The Governor of the state may also be invited to attend meetings.

  • Union Territories: Administrators of Union Territories included in a zone are also members of the respective Zonal Council.

  • Advisors: Two other members of the Council of Ministers from each state, nominated by the Governor, serve as advisors. The Chief Secretary of each state in the zone is also a member.

• Voting Rights: Advisors and Chief Secretaries do not have voting rights. Only the members (Chief Ministers and nominated Ministers) have voting rights.

• Purpose: Zonal Councils facilitate discussions on matters of common interest, such as economic planning, linguistic minorities, border disputes, environmental issues, and law and order.

• Key Fact: The advisory nature of these councils means their recommendations are not binding on the states, but they play a significant role in promoting national integration and cooperative federalism.