Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the 32nd meeting of the Northern Zonal Council in Faridabad, Haryana, on Monday, where a wide range of Centre–State issues will be reviewed to improve regional cooperation and governance.
The meeting brings together states and Union Territories from northern India to discuss policies, address common challenges, and strengthen administrative coordination.
A major focus of the meeting will be the speedy investigation and trial of cases involving sexual offences against women and children.
The Council is set to evaluate the implementation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), established to ensure quicker disposal of such sensitive cases.
Strengthening mechanisms for justice delivery remains a high priority for both the Centre and participating states.
Rural Banking and Emergency Response System
The Council will also deliberate on expanding brick-and-mortar banking facilities to every village-designated area, a step aimed at enhancing financial inclusion across rural communities.
Another important issue on the agenda is the implementation of the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), intended to provide integrated emergency services for citizens in distress.
Member states will discuss a series of regional matters of common interest, including nutrition, education, healthcare, electricity supply, urban planning, and improvements to the cooperative system.
These discussions aim to identify shared challenges and develop coordinated strategies for long-term development across the northern region.
The Northern Zonal Council comprises Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Chandigarh.
Senior officials from the Central government, state governments, and Union Territories will attend the meeting.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini serves as the Council’s vice-chairperson, while Home Minister Amit Shah chairs the Council.
Role and Importance of Zonal Councils
Although advisory in nature, Zonal Councils have become vital platforms for promoting cooperation and resolving disputes between the Centre and states.
Established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, these councils help facilitate dialogue, coordination, and mutual understanding.
Over the past 11 years, 63 meetings of various Zonal Councils and their standing committees have taken place, reflecting their growing significance in India’s federal structure.
Organised by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the Haryana government as host, today’s meeting aims to further the collaborative spirit between the Centre and northern states.
Through unified efforts, the Council seeks to resolve inter-state issues, support development initiatives, and improve governance across the region.
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