Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, is set to chair the 26th meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council in Bihar’s capital on Sunday. The meeting will bring together Chief Ministers and senior ministers from Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand, as well as key officials from state and central governments. The Eastern Zonal Council meeting aims to promote dialogue and cooperation on issues affecting multiple states and the Center. It is organized by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the government of Bihar.
The Zonal Councils play an advisory role and have become crucial platforms for fostering understanding and collaboration on various fronts. Over the years, several important decisions have been made during these meetings, including the establishment of Fast Track Special Courts for expedited investigation and disposal of rape cases against women and children. Other topics of discussion encompass areas like infrastructure development, land acquisition, water sharing, and the implementation of welfare schemes. Additionally, initiatives such as the inclusion of minor millet crops in the minimum support price scheme, sediment management policies, and the scaling of finance for lac cultivation, have been addressed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the significance of cooperative and competitive federalism in achieving holistic development. The Zonal Councils serve as platforms for dialogue, aiming to strengthen states and promote national unity. Since 2014, 55 meetings of various Zonal Councils have taken place, highlighting the increasing relevance of these forums in addressing regional and national challenges.
The Eastern Zonal Council meeting on Sunday will provide a forum for leaders and officials to discuss critical issues facing the region, including criminal justice, agriculture, healthcare, and education. The collaborative efforts fostered by these meetings are essential for prioritizing the needs of the people and working towards their welfare.
The Zonal Councils embody the spirit of cooperative federalism and recognize that the strength of individual states contributes to the overall progress of the nation. As India continues its journey towards inclusive development, these councils play a vital role in facilitating coordination, cooperation, and mutual understanding among the states and the central government.
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