Southern Zonal Council Meeting Scheduled in Chennai on January 31, Amit Shah to Lead
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Synopsis
The Southern Zonal Council meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is set for January 31 in Chennai, involving southern states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry, addressing key issues such as disaster relief, infrastructure, and education.
Key Takeaways
- Meeting chaired by Amit Shah
- Involvement of southern states
- Focus on infrastructure and security
- Discussion on Cyclone Fengal relief funds
- Standard procedures for zonal council meetings
Chennai, Jan 16 (NationPress) The upcoming Southern Zonal Council meeting, to be led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is set to occur in Chennai on January 31. This significant gathering will include the participation of southern states – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
The Southern Council meeting aims to tackle a wide array of topics, such as issues related to boundaries, security, infrastructure matters including roadways, transport, industries, water, and electricity, as well as environmental and forest concerns, housing, education, food security, tourism, and transportation.
The prior meeting of the Southern Council was conducted by the Kerala government in September 2022, and a planned meeting in Telangana was postponed.
As per standard protocol, the zonal council meeting is preceded by a standing committee meeting, where agenda items are evaluated and prioritized.
These regional councils function as platforms for organized dialogues on issues impacting one or more states or on matters between the central and state governments.
Sources from the Tamil Nadu Home Department have indicated that the meeting will be hosted at a private hotel in Mamallapuram, close to Chennai.
The Tamil Nadu government is expected to raise the topic of pending disaster relief funds for the Cyclone Fengal during the meeting.
The state has requested a permanent relief package amounting to Rs 6,675 crore from the central government, which remains unapproved.
Tamil Nadu aims to advocate for the prompt release of these funds. Furthermore, the state plans to emphasize the delays in receiving presidential assent for its anti-NEET Bill, a long-standing demand.
The Tambaram Police Commissionerate will manage security arrangements for the meeting.
According to reports, police have already executed necessary security drills in anticipation of this high-profile event.
With Amit Shah presiding over the meeting, stringent security measures will be enforced, adhering to the standard operating protocol (SOP).
The country is divided into five zonal councils, which were established in 1957 under Sections 15-22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. The Union Home Minister acts as the chairman of each council, while the Chief Minister of the host state, selected on a rotating basis each year, serves as the vice-chairman. Additionally, two ministers from each state are appointed as members by the Governor.
