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By | July 11, 2025
Centre-State collaboration in Zonal Council meeting

Zonal Councils cooperation has emerged as a powerful tool in reshaping India’s federal governance. Once viewed as largely ceremonial, these councils now play a critical role in resolving regional disputes and strengthening Centre–State coordination. During the 27th Eastern Zonal Council meeting in Ranchi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah described them as “engines of cooperation,” highlighting their growing significance in delivering results through dialogue and mutual understanding.

What Are Zonal Councils?

Established under the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, Zonal Councils are statutory bodies aimed at promoting cooperation among states and Union Territories within specific geographic regions. India has five such councils:

  • Northern
  • Southern
  • Eastern
  • Western
  • Central

Each council includes the Chief Ministers and Governors of member states and is chaired by the Union Home Minister. These meetings provide a structured forum for discussing interstate concerns, including security, infrastructure, and social development.

Official Government Info on Zonal Councils

A Shift from Dialogue to Delivery

In recent years, Zonal Councils have transformed into active problem-solving bodies. For example, between 2004 and 2014, only 25 meetings were held. However, from 2014 to 2025, the number surged to 63. Not only has participation increased, but the outcomes have improved significantly.

Notably:

  • Out of 1,580 issues raised, 1,287 have already been resolved.
  • This reflects a success rate of 83%, which clearly shows the growing effectiveness of Zonal Councils cooperation.

Rather than being limited to discussions, these councils now take decisive actions that directly benefit citizens.

Key Issues Addressed in the 27th Meeting

The 27th Eastern Zonal Council meeting covered various pressing matters, such as:

  • Disputes over water-sharing involving the Masanjore Dam and Taiyabpur Barrage
  • Asset and liability division between Bihar and Jharkhand, particularly related to PSUs
  • Infrastructure projects like the Indrapuri Reservoir
  • Cross-border security issues and narcotics control efforts
  • Strategies to implement the new criminal laws across states

Each of these topics impacts millions of people, and resolving them efficiently demonstrates the practical value of this forum.

Security Gains in Eastern India

Amit Shah also emphasized the success of states in reducing Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). According to him, large parts of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal are now free from Naxalite violence. The government has set a goal to completely eliminate the remaining pockets of extremism by March 31, 2026.

Furthermore, Shah praised joint security operations like Operation Sindoor, which highlighted seamless cooperation between state police and central forces. Without question, this level of coordination is only possible through regular interaction and planning enabled by the Zonal Councils.

Push for Legal Reforms

The Home Minister strongly urged the Eastern states to adopt three newly enacted criminal laws:

  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
  • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
  • Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam

These laws replace the outdated IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act. By introducing faster trials, improved victim protection, and digital documentation, they are expected to transform the criminal justice system. However, for successful implementation, Zonal Councils cooperation is vital. Through mutual support and shared resources, states can standardize training, infrastructure, and legal interpretations.

A Model for Cooperative Federalism

Zonal Councils now represent a modern approach to federalism. Unlike the past, where states relied on courts or Parliament to settle disputes, they now work out solutions together.

These forums:

  • Encourage faster decision-making
  • Build trust between states
  • Provide platforms for long-term planning
  • Reduce friction in politically sensitive matters

States no longer work in isolation. Instead, they cooperate with neighbors and the Centre, thereby speeding up development and reducing bureaucratic delays.

Technology and Transparency for the Future

To enhance accountability, Amit Shah proposed several tech-driven improvements:

  • Digitizing all Zonal Council proceedings
  • Launching a real-time coordination dashboard
  • Including new-age issues like climate resilience, urban congestion, and migration planning in future meetings

Such steps will make councils more transparent and responsive. Moreover, they align with India’s Vision 2047, which outlines the country’s roadmap to becoming a developed nation by its centenary of independence.

Read more on India’s Vision 2047

External and Internal Resources

For further reading, explore these reliable sources:

Additionally, link to internal content such as:

Conclusion: A Future Built on Collaboration

Thanks to Zonal Councils cooperation, India now has a more agile, inclusive, and collaborative approach to governance. These forums promote trust, encourage quick resolutions, and support the broader goal of national development.

Amit Shah’s leadership has reinvigorated their role, making them vital to India’s growth story. If states and the Centre continue working together, these councils can unlock the full potential of cooperative federalism — ensuring progress for all, not just a few.