Context:
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired the 27th meeting of the Western Zonal Council on Saturday, 22nd February, 2025 at Pune, Maharashtra. It is organized by the Inter State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the state government.
Key issues that was discussed
- Law and Order: Strengthening the legal framework for dealing with sexual offences and ensuring the effective implementation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs).
- Banking and Postal Services: Expanding banking and India Post Payment Bank branches to improve financial inclusion, ensuring that every village has access within a 5 km radius.
- Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112): Enhancing emergency response mechanisms to improve public safety.
- Infrastructure, Environment, and Mining: Addressing issues related to regional infrastructure development, environmental protection, and resource management.
- Social Welfare and Development: Tackling malnutrition, improving food security, and addressing school dropout rates.
- National Programs: Reviewing the implementation of key initiatives such as POSHAN Abhiyan (nutrition program), Ayushman Bharat (health insurance scheme), and strengthening Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to support rural economies.
Understanding the Zonal Councils
The Zonal Councils were established in 1957 under the States Reorganization Act, 1956 to encourage cooperation and dialogue among states. Though they are statutory bodies rather than constitutional ones, they play a significant role in addressing inter-state and Centre-State issues, promoting national integration, and fostering regional development.
The Five Zonal Councils
India is divided into five Zonal Councils, each catering to specific states and regions:
1. Northern Zonal Council
2. Central Zonal Council
3. Eastern Zonal Council
4. Western Zonal Council
5. Southern Zonal Council
Note:
The Western Zonal Council comprises the states of Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra and the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
The North Eastern states are excluded from the Zonal Councils and are instead addressed by the North Eastern Council, established in 1972.
The Evolving Role of Zonal Councils
· The Zonal Councils have increasingly shifted from being purely advisory bodies to becoming platforms for action, ensuring policy implementation and effective governance.
· This transformation aligns with the broader emphasis on cooperative and competitive federalism, which seeks to strengthen collaboration between the Centre and the states for national progress.
· A greater focus has been placed on enhancing the role of Zonal Councils in resolving inter-state disputes and improving Centre-State relations.
· Additionally, the frequency of Standing Committee meetings has increased, facilitating regular follow-ups on key decisions and ensuring their effective execution.
Conclusion
The 27th Western Zonal Council meeting is a significant step toward regional cooperation and governance. By addressing critical issues, it fosters inter-state dialogue and national development. These councils remain vital in ensuring that states collaborate, resolve disputes, and contribute to national growth.
