Who is the common Chairman of 'Zonal Councils'?

The correct answer is Union Home Minister.

Key Points

• The Zonal Councils in India are statutory bodies established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
• The Union Home Minister is the common Chairman of all Zonal Councils.
• Each Zonal Council consists of states grouped into zones to foster cooperation and coordination between them.
• The purpose of Zonal Councils is to resolve disputes, strengthen the federal structure, and discuss matters of common interest among member states.
• These councils are advisory in nature and aim to promote economic and social planning among zones.

Additional Information

• Composition of Zonal Councils:
  • Five Zonal Councils were created for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, and Central zones of India.
  • Each council includes the Chief Ministers and Governors of member states, along with other ministers as representatives.
• Role of Union Home Minister:
  • The Union Home Minister presides over meetings and ensures coordination between states on issues like border disputes, economic planning, and infrastructure development.
  • Special invitees or experts may be invited to the council meetings for specific discussions.
• States Reorganisation Act, 1956:
  • This act was responsible for the division of states based on linguistic and administrative considerations.
  • The Zonal Councils were created under this act to facilitate better governance and planning.
• Inter-State Council:
  • While Zonal Councils deal with zonal issues, the Inter-State Council is a constitutional body under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution for addressing broader inter-state concerns.
  • The Prime Minister chairs the Inter-State Council, differentiating it from Zonal Councils.