New Delhi [India], August 19 (ANI): Issues of common interest at the regional level such as the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, important projects related to water sharing, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), and civil aviation are to be discussed in the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Mahabalipuram on August 20.
Besides, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said broad issues of national importance, which include the implementation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for the speedy investigation and early disposal of cases of rape against women and children, as well as issues related to education, are among others.
The Southern Zonal Council comprises the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Keralam, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, and the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will leave for Tamil Nadu this evening to chair the Southern Zonal Council meeting- a platform for finding solutions through dialogue. After attending the meeting on Thursday, the Home Minister is scheduled to offer prayers at the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram.
Shah is the chairman of the Southern Zonal Council, and the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, is vice-chairman. The chief ministers of the member states serve as the vice-chairman of the council by rotation. The 31st meeting is being organised by the Inter-State Council Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs, with the government of Tamil Nadu as the host.
The meeting will be attended by the chief ministers, Lieutenant Governors and Administrators of the member states and Union Territories of the Southern region, along with two senior ministers from each state. The Chief Secretaries and advisors and other senior officers of the state governments, as well as senior officers of the Central government, will also participate in the meeting.
The zonal council has also constituted a standing committee at the level of chief secretaries. Issues proposed by the states are submitted for discussion before the zonal council’s standing committee and after deliberation there, the remaining issues are placed before the zonal council meeting for consideration.
Under Sections 15 to 22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, five Zonal Councils, including the Southern Zonal Council, have been established.
The zonal councils function on the conviction that strong states build a strong nation. They provide a structured mechanism for dialogue and discussion on issues affecting two or more states–or the Centre and the states–thereby serving as a platform to foster mutual cooperation. Zonal council meetings have evolved into a powerful platform for finding solutions through dialogue.
The role of the zonal councils is advisory in nature. However, over the past few years, these councils have proved to be an important factor in fostering a healthy bond of mutual understanding and cooperation across various regions.
With the cooperation of all state governments, Central ministries and departments, a total of 69 meetings of the various zonal councils and their Standing Committees have been held in the last approximately 12 years, since June 2014 till now.
The zonal councils provide an excellent forum for resolving issues and disputes and making progress among the member states and Union Territories, and within the region. (ANI)
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