- Statutory Framework: Established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, these councils aim to:
- Promote regional cooperation.
- Address issues such as border disputes, inter-state transport, and economic planning
- Structure and Composition:
- Home Minister (Chairman)
- Chief Ministers and two ministers from each state in the zone
- Administrators of Union Territories
- Five Zonal Councils:
- Northern (HQ: New Delhi)
- Central (HQ: Allahabad)
- Eastern (HQ: Kolkata)
- Western (HQ: Mumbai)
- Southern (HQ: Chennai)
- North-Eastern Council
- Established by the North-Eastern Council Act, 1971.
- Includes states like Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Sikkim.
- Functions: Formulate regional plans and ensure security and public order