🧭 Zonal Councils: Engines of Cooperative Federalism in India

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently chaired the meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council, comprising Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, to address critical inter-state issues and promote regional development. He rightly called zonal councils the “engines of cooperation between states” — a sentiment that underscores their importance in India’s federal framework.

But what exactly are Zonal Councils?

First conceptualized in 1956 during the States Reorganisation based on the Fazal Ali Commission’s recommendations, Zonal Councils were created to ensure harmonious relations between newly formed states and to provide a structured platform for dialogue and resolution.

🔹 There are five statutory zonal councils (Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern), set up under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.

🔹 An additional North-Eastern Council was constituted under the NEC Act, 1972.

🧩 Structure:

Chairperson: Union Home Minister

Vice-Chairperson: CM of one of the states (on rotation)

Members: CMs and two ministers from each state, and administrators of union territories

Advisors: NITI Aayog officials, chief secretaries, development commissioners, and other relevant stakeholders

These councils have evolved into critical forums for resolving inter-state disputes, addressing developmental challenges, and ensuring center-state coordination — all essential to India’s democratic and cooperative ethos.

As we push forward on national goals like infrastructure, internal security, and economic growth, mechanisms like the Zonal Councils are pivotal in keeping the Union united and responsive.

🛤️ Collaborative federalism isn’t just a concept—it’s a continuous process. And forums like these are its true facilitators.

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