Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday underscored the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) focus on cooperative federalism by pointing out that the current government has conducted 28 zonal council meetings since coming to power in 2014, in contrast to just 11 such meetings held during the 10 years of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
Speaking at the North Eastern Zonal Council meeting, Shah emphasized that the zonal councils have played a key role in resolving inter-state issues, promoting development, and enhancing coordination between the Centre and the states. He said the councils provide a platform where states and Union Territories can come together with the central government to discuss common challenges and achieve consensus-based solutions.
The zonal councils—divided into five regions: Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, and North Eastern—serve as advisory bodies to promote interstate cooperation and balanced regional development. They include representatives from states and Union Territories within each zone, and are chaired by the Union Home Minister.
“Between 2004 and 2014, only 11 such meetings were held. But since 2014, we have conducted 28 zonal council meetings, showing this government’s commitment to fostering Centre-State collaboration,” Shah said. He added that this increase is a reflection of the government's proactive approach to governance and responsiveness to the needs of the states.
Shah highlighted that the meetings have resolved hundreds of issues related to law and order, border disputes, infrastructure, connectivity, and resource allocation. “Most of the matters brought to the zonal councils are resolved through discussion, avoiding the need for prolonged legal or administrative processes,” he noted.
He also mentioned that the Home Ministry is working on developing digital dashboards and monitoring systems to ensure implementation of decisions taken during these meetings. This, he said, would increase transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in governance.
In addition, Shah praised the progress made in the North Eastern region over the past few years in terms of connectivity, economic growth, and internal security. He said the reduction in insurgency and improvement in infrastructure has boosted confidence in the region and opened up new opportunities for development and investment.
Political observers noted that Shah’s remarks were intended to highlight the NDA’s record on governance and regional cooperation, particularly in the context of upcoming political discussions on federal relations and Centre-State dynamics.
While opposition parties have occasionally criticized the Centre for encroaching on state powers, the increased use of zonal councils by the current government is being positioned as evidence of a more cooperative and structured approach to intergovernmental relations.
Shah concluded his address by reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to working closely with state governments across all regions to ensure equitable development and effective governance throughout the country.
