The 31st Southern Zonal Council (SZC) meeting will be presided over by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on August 20, 2026, in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. The meeting will see the participation of members representing southern states and Union Territories for the discussion of the matters of coordination among governments. This meeting comes at a time when the Centre is giving importance to the concept of cooperative federalism and “TEAM BHARAT”, wherein coordination among states adds to development of the nation.
When and Where Will the Meeting Be Held?
The 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting will be held on August 20th, 2026, in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
This meeting will be organized by Inter-State Council Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs, with Tamil Nadu being the host state.
Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors and Administrators of the participating states and UTs are expected to participate in the meeting along with other senior ministers, Chief Secretaries, Advisers and senior officials of the Central Government.
Which States and UTs Participate?
States/UTs that participate in the Southern Zonal Council are,
- Andhra Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Keralam
- Tamil Nadu
- Telangana
- Puducherry
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Lakshadweep
Amit Shah is the Chairman, whereas C. Joseph Vijay, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, is the Vice-Chairman. The vice-chairmanship rotates among the Chief Ministers of participating states.
What Is the Southern Zonal Council?
Southern Zonal Council is one of the five Zonal Councils of India that were formed under Sections 15 to 22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
These Zonal Councils act as a formalized forum where states and the Centre can deliberate on issues pertaining to more than one state or to the entire region. These bodies act as advisory bodies, but their importance in fostering cooperation is growing.
Standing committee comprising Chief Secretaries deliberates on issues that arise out of discussions held with states.
What are the Issues Discussed by the Zonal Councils?
The meeting of the Zonal Councils may include regional and national issues. These include water resources, infrastructure, education, civil aviation, housing and the implementation of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, among many other issues.
Some of the issues that have been discussed include the establishment of the Fast Track Special Courts for the quick disposal of rape cases of women and children.
It has been stated by the government that 69 meetings of the various Zonal Councils and Standing Committees have been held since June 2014.
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