Question

With respect to the constitutional provisions related to Zonal Councils, consider the following statements:

1. Article 263 provides for the establishment of an Inter-State Council.

2. Zonal Councils are statutory bodies, not constitutional bodies.

3. Article 262 deals with disputes related to inter-state river waters.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer 1

Answer:

D. 1, 2, and 3

Constitutional Provisions and Inter-State Relations

• Article 263: This article of the Constitution of India empowers the President to establish an Inter-State Council. This council serves as a forum for coordination and discussion between states and the Union government on matters of common interest.

• Zonal Councils: Zonal Councils are statutory bodies established under the Zonal Council Act, 1956. They are not constitutional bodies, meaning they are created by an Act of Parliament and not directly by the Constitution.

• Functions of Zonal Councils: These councils aim to promote cooperation and coordination among states within a zone on various issues, including economic and social planning, border disputes, transport, and environmental concerns.

• Article 262: This article pertains to the adjudication of disputes relating to inter-state river waters. It allows Parliament to legislate for the resolution of such disputes, preventing them from being subjected to the jurisdiction of ordinary courts.

• Establishment of Zonal Councils: The Zonal Councils were created based on the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission, 1956. The primary objective was to foster regional cooperation and address specific regional issues.

• Composition of Zonal Councils: Each Zonal Council comprises a Union Home Minister as the Chairman, and the Chief Ministers and two other ministers from each participating state as members. Governors of the states also act as advisors.

• Five Zonal Councils: India is divided into five zones, each with a Zonal Council: Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern. The North-Eastern Council, established by a separate Act in 1971, has a similar but distinct role.