With reference to the Zonal Councils in India, consider the following statements:
1. Zonal Councils are constitutional bodies created under Article 263 of the Constitution of India.
2. The Union Home Minister serves as the common Chairman of all Zonal Councils.
3. The Chief Ministers of the member states within a zone act as Vice-Chairman of that Zonal Council by rotation, holding office for one year at a time.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 onlyAnswer
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Answer
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Zonal Councils are statutory bodies established under Part III of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, and not constitutional bodies established under Article 263 (which provides for an Inter-State Council). The Union Home Minister acts as the Chairman for all Zonal Councils, while the Chief Ministers of the constituent states act as Vice-Chairman by annual rotation.
The correct response identifies statements 2 and 3 as true while recognizing statement 1 as false. Zonal Councils were set up under Part III of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, making them statutory bodies. The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of all Zonal Councils, and the Chief Ministers of participating states serve as Vice-Chairman by annual rotation.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Statutory nature and organisational structure of Zonal Councils for promoting inter-state cooperation and federal integration