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Polity & Governance
Mahesh

27/09/23 07:00 AM IST

31st meeting of the Northern Zonal Council

In News
  • Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation ShriAmit Shah chaired the 31st meeting of the Northern Zonal Council at Amritsar, Punjab.
Northern Zonal Councils
  • It comprises the States of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, National Capital Territory of Delhi and Union Territory of Chandigarh,
  • Northern Zonal Council has an important place from the point of view of development and security of the country, with 21% of the country's land and 13% of the population, more than 35% of the food grains are produced in the Northern region.
  • The majority of personnel in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Army, guarding the country's borders, come from the states and Union Territories in the Northern Zonal Council.
  • The Northern Zonal Council in the 31st meeting at Amritsar discussed over total 28 issues.
  • Some crucial issues concerning the member States in particular and the country as a whole were ‘Issues related to sharing of inter-state river waters, Coverage of villages by Bank Branches/Postal Banking facilities, Effective implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer for Social Sector Schemes, issues relating to Punjab University, Road connectivity under PMGSY, Prevention of cyber-crimes, JalJeevan Mission,
  • Resumption of Flights under UDAN Scheme, Speedy investigation of cases of sexual offence/rape against women and children, Implementation of the Scheme of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for expeditious disposal of rape and POCSO Act cases.
Zonal Councils
  • Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies.
  • They are established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act of 1956.
  • The act divided the country into five zones- Northern, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern and provided a zonal council for each zone.
  • The Zonal Councils are advisory in character, but over the years, they have proved to be a significant factor in promoting healthy bond of mutual understanding and cooperation in various spheres.
  • The Zonal Councils provide the opportunity for personal inter-action at the highest level amongst the members and serve as a useful forum for resolving issues of difficult and complex nature in an atmosphere of amity and goodwill.
  • Through discussion and exchange of views, the Zonal Councils help in developing a coordinated approach among the States on important issues of socio and economic development.
  • The Zonal Councils also discuss and make recommendations on issues of common interest of the States.
Source- PIB

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