Zonal Councils in India – Structure, Composition, Functions & UPSC Notes (2026)
Tags: GS Paper-2, Federalism, Cooperative Federalism, Centre-State Relations, Statutory Bodies, Inter-State Coordination
Why in News?
The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation chaired the 25th Central Zonal Council Meeting in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
The meeting was organised by the Inter-State Council Secretariat along with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to strengthen centre–state cooperation and review issues involving multiple states.
What are Zonal Councils? (UPSC Notes)
Definition
The Zonal Councils are statutory advisory bodies created to promote cooperative federalism, inter-state coordination, and smooth centre-state relations.
They were established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, based on the recommendation of the States Reorganisation Commission (Fazal Ali Commission).
Key Points :
- Not a Constitutional body
- Created under Sections 15–22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
- Serve as platforms for discussion, dispute resolution, and administrative coordination.
- Five Zonal Councils were created; the North Eastern Council (NEC) exists separately under a different Act.
- First proposed by Jawaharlal Nehru (1956).
List of Zonal Councils in India
| Zonal Council | States / UTs Covered |
|---|---|
| Northern Zonal Council | Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, NCT Delhi, Chandigarh |
| Central Zonal Council | Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand |
| Eastern Zonal Council | Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim |
| Western Zonal Council | Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Rajasthan, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu |
| Southern Zonal Council | Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry |
| North Eastern Council (Separate) | Created under North Eastern Council Act, 1972 |
Organisational Structure of Zonal Councils
1. Chairman
- Union Home Minister
2. Vice-Chairman
- Chief Minister of one of the member states
- Appointed on a rotational basis every year
3. Members
- Chief Ministers
- Lieutenant Governors / Administrators
- Two Ministers nominated by each state’s Governor
4. Advisors
- One nominee from NITI Aayog
- Chief Secretaries of member states
- Development Commissioners
5. Standing / Permanent Committee
- Comprises Chief Secretaries
- Pre-screens issues before they go to the full council
Objectives and Functions of Zonal Councils
Zonal Councils aim to deepen cooperative federalism and resolve inter-state and Centre–State issues.
Major Functions
✔ Promote inter-state cooperation
✔ Resolve border disputes and administrative challenges
✔ Discuss policies affecting multiple states
✔ Improve law & order coordination
✔ Strengthen infrastructure, banking, transport, and public services
✔ Facilitate fast-track investigation of crimes
✔ Promote financial inclusion, especially in rural areas
✔ Review ERSS-112 Emergency Response system
✔ Address issues related to:
- Education
- Nutrition
- Electricity
- Healthcare
- Urban planning
- Cooperative sector development
Recent Trend
- Over 61 Zonal Council meetings in the last 11 years, indicating increasing importance in India’s federal structure.
Zonal Councils – UPSC Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims PYQ (2013)
Q : Which of the following bodies do not find mention in the Indian Constitution?
- National Development Council
- Planning Commission
- Zonal Councils
Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Mains Angle (GS Paper 2)
Past Question (2024)
What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to strengthen federalism.
Relevance of Zonal Councils:
- Promote collaborative governance
- Reduce inter-state friction
- Enable joint decision-making
- Encourage decentralised planning
FAQs – Zonal Councils
1. Are Zonal Councils constitutional bodies?
No. They are statutory bodies under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
2. How many Zonal Councils exist in India?
Five Zonal Councils + One separate North Eastern Council.
3. Who chairs the Zonal Councils?
The Union Home Minister.
4. Why was the North Eastern Council created separately?
Due to the region’s unique socio-political characteristics; created under the NEC Act, 1972.
5. Are Zonal Council decisions binding?
No. They are advisory, but carry political and administrative weight.
6. Do Zonal Councils help in cooperative federalism?
Yes. They encourage inter-state coordination and dialogue.
7. Who represents NITI Aayog in the councils?
A senior nominee from NITI Aayog.
8. What issues are commonly discussed in council meetings?
Law & order, border issues, infrastructure, banking, health, ERSS-112, crime investigation.
9. Which body prepares issues before the Council meeting?
The Standing Committee of Chief Secretaries.
10. Which Act established the Zonal Councils?
The States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
Zonal Councils in India explained for UPSC: structure, composition, functions, objectives, NEC difference, statutory basis, and PYQs.