Why in News?

The 27th Eastern Zonal Council meeting has begun in Ranchi, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The meeting focuses on strengthening Centre–State cooperation and addressing key regional issues among Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim.

What are Zonal Councils?

• Statutory bodies set up under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
• Aim: Promote cooperative federalism and Centre–State / Inter-State coordination.
• Idea proposed by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1956 during discussions on the States Reorganisation Commission (Fazal Ali Commission).

Number of Councils

• 5 Zonal Councils created under the Act (Sections 15–22)
  • Northern
  • Central
  • Eastern
  • Western
  • Southern
• North Eastern Council (NEC): Separate body under NEC Act, 1972.

Council Composition

• Chairman: Union Home Minister (for all Zonal Councils).
• Vice-Chairman: CM of a member state (rotates annually).
• Members
  • CMs, Lt. Governors/Administrators of member states/UTs
  • 2 Ministers nominated by the Governor from each member state
  • Advisors: NITI Aayog nominee, Chief Secretaries, Development Commissioners
• Permanent Committee: Made up of Chief Secretaries; reviews issues before full Council meetings.

Council-wise State Composition