UPSC Mapping

Prelims	Polity & Federalism
Mains	GS Paper 2 (Polity & Federalism)

Southern Zonal Council Headquarters	Chennai
Chairperson	Union Home Minister

Article

Zonal Councils have been in focus with the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council concluding in Tamil Nadu. Zonal Councils are statutory bodies established under Part III of the States Reorganization Act, 1956, serving as deliberative and advisory bodies with non-binding recommendations. For more such polity updates, explore the polity and governance archive.

What are Zonal Councils?

Zonal Councils are statutory bodies established under Part III of the States Reorganization Act, 1956, to promote Centre-state cooperation, socio-economic planning, and linguistic minority protection. They were proposed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1956 during debates on the linguistic reorganisation of states. The Act established five zonal councils—Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern. A sixth was later created under the North-Eastern Council Act, 1971, for the Northeast.

The Southern Zonal Council comprises Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Puducherry, with its headquarters in Chennai. The councils are deliberative and advisory bodies with non-binding recommendations. The Union Home Minister chairs all five zonal councils, with member-state CMs serving as Vice-Chairman on an annual rotating basis.

Why are Zonal Councils in News?

Zonal Councils are in the news following the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council, which concluded in Tamil Nadu. The meeting discussed issues of centre-state cooperation, development projects, and inter-state disputes. The council’s role in fostering cooperative federalism and addressing regional concerns has been highlighted.

The meeting also provided a platform for states to raise issues related to water sharing, infrastructure, and security. For more details, refer to this PIB release.

Key Features of Zonal Councils

• Statutory Bodies: Established under the States Reorganization Act, 1956.
• Advisory Role: Non-binding recommendations to the government.
• Composition: Chief Ministers and nominated ministers from member states, Administrators/Lt. Governors of UTs.
• Chairperson: Union Home Minister chairs all five councils.
• Vice-Chairman: Member-state CMs on an annual rotating basis.

Challenges in Zonal Councils

• Non-Binding Nature: Recommendations are not mandatory, limiting their effectiveness.
• Political Dynamics: Centre-state relations can affect the council’s functioning.
• Resource Constraints: Limited secretariat and staff support.
• Infrequent Meetings: Irregular meetings reduce their impact.
• Lack of Awareness: Many citizens are unaware of the councils’ role. For more on federalism, visit the polity section.

Way Forward for Zonal Councils

To strengthen Zonal Councils, the government should ensure regular meetings and follow-up on recommendations. Strengthening the secretariat and providing more resources can enhance their effectiveness. The councils can serve as a platform for resolving inter-state disputes and promoting cooperative federalism.

Including more issues of regional importance and involving civil society can make the councils more relevant. For international best practices, refer to the OECD.

Prelims Practice Corner

1. Who chairs the Zonal Councils?

   • (a) Prime Minister
   • (b) Home Minister
   • (c) Finance Minister
   • (d) President

   Answer: (b) The Union Home Minister chairs all Zonal Councils.

2. Which Act established the Zonal Councils?

   • (a) Government of India Act, 1935
   • (b) States Reorganization Act, 1956
   • (c) Constitution of India
   • (d) North-Eastern Council Act, 1971

   Answer: (b) The States Reorganization Act, 1956, established the Zonal Councils.

3. Which states are part of the Southern Zonal Council?

   • (a) Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Puducherry
   • (b) Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa
   • (c) West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand
   • (d) Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, MP

   Answer: (a) The Southern Zonal Council includes these states and UT.

4. Who is the Vice-Chairman of a Zonal Council?

   • (a) Chief Minister of the host state
   • (b) Chief Minister of a member state on rotation
   • (c) Governor of a member state
   • (d) Union Home Minister

   Answer: (b) CM of a member state serves as Vice-Chairman on an annual rotating basis.

5. Where is the Southern Zonal Council headquarters?

   • (a) Bengaluru
   • (b) Hyderabad
   • (c) Chennai
   • (d) Thiruvananthapuram

   Answer: (c) The headquarters is in Chennai.

Mains Practice Questions

Q1. Discuss the role of Zonal Councils in promoting cooperative federalism in India. (250 words, 15 marks)

Q2. What is the significance of the Southern Zonal Council meeting for regional cooperation? (150 words, 10 marks)

FAQs on Zonal Councils

What are Zonal Councils?

They are statutory advisory bodies for centre-state cooperation and regional development.

How many Zonal Councils are there?

There are six zonal councils, including the North-Eastern Council.

Who proposed the Zonal Councils?

Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru proposed them in 1956.