Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council on August 20 at Mamallapuram near here, with the chief ministers of southern states and Union Territories set to participate, the government said on Wednesday.
The Southern Zonal Council comprises Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, along with the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
The council serves as a forum for resolving issues and disputes between the Centre and member states and Union Territories, the Union government said.
River water sharing disputes involving Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu and Kerala are among the ongoing issues likely to be discussed.
In an official release, the Centre said the council meetings also take up broader issues of national importance.
Amit Shah, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka arrived here late on Wednesday to attend the meeting.
The national issues on the agenda include the functioning of Fast Track Special Courts for speedy investigation and early disposal of cases involving crimes against women and children, including rape cases. Education-related matters are also expected to be discussed.
Several issues of common interest at the regional level will also be considered, including matters related to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, water sharing, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) and civil aviation.
The government said, “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 healthy bond of mutual understanding and cooperation across various regions.”
With the cooperation of state governments, Central ministries and departments, a total of 69 meetings of various Zonal Councils and their Standing Committees have been held over the past approximately 12 years, from June 2014 until now.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned “Team Bharat” for the nation on the basis of cooperative federalism, and the Zonal Councils are making significant contributions towards this goal.
The councils function on the principle that strong states build a strong nation. They provide a structured mechanism for dialogue and discussion on issues affecting two or more states, or between the Centre and states, thereby promoting mutual cooperation.
“Under the leadership of PM Modi, Zonal Council meetings have evolved into a powerful platform for finding solutions through dialogue,” the government said.
The Southern Zonal Council has also constituted a standing committee at the level of Chief Secretaries. Issues proposed by the states are first placed before the standing committee for discussion. After deliberation, unresolved matters are placed before the Zonal Council for consideration.
Under Sections 15 to 22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, five Zonal Councils, including the Southern Zonal Council, were established.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is the Chairman of the Southern Zonal Council, while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is the Vice-Chairman. The chief ministers of member states serve as Vice-Chairman of the Council by rotation.
The 31st meeting is being organised by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, with the Tamil Nadu government serving as the host.
The meeting will be attended by the chief ministers, Lieutenant Governors and Administrators of the member states and Union Territories in the southern region, along with two senior ministers from each state.
Chief Secretaries, advisers and other senior officers of state governments, as well as senior officials from the Central government, will participate in the meeting scheduled to be held at Mamallapuram near Chennai.