Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired the 25th meeting of the Central Zonal Council (CZC) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The meeting witnessed participation from Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, along with senior officials from member states and central ministries.
At the start of the meeting, Shri Shah moved a resolution applauding the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the courage of the Indian Armed Forces. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the council.
Highlighting the transformation of Kashi, Shri Shah remarked that since Prime Minister Modi became the MP from Varanasi, the city has become a symbol of development in addition to its historical and spiritual significance. He praised Modi ji’s dedication as a public representative, calling it an example for all leaders.
The Union Home Minister emphasized the CZC’s unique status as the only zonal council without any internal disputes among member states—a testament to cooperative federalism. He noted that since 2014, there has been a significant increase in the number of meetings and resolutions achieved compared to the 2004–2014 period.
Key topics discussed included the implementation of Fast Track Special Courts for swift justice in rape cases, expanding rural banking services, and bolstering emergency response systems. Shri Shah also called upon member states to eliminate child malnutrition, bring school dropout rates to zero, and strengthen cooperative institutions.
He further encouraged increasing revenue generation for Gram Panchayats and underscored the importance of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system in India’s democracy. The Zonal Councils, formed under the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, continue to serve as important forums for dialogue and regional cooperation.
The meeting reaffirmed the role of Zonal Councils in promoting federalism, mutual understanding, and good governance. With 62 meetings held over the past 11 years, these councils have become a reliable mechanism for resolving inter-state and Centre-state issues.
Source: PIB
