Amit Shah To Chair Southern Zonal Council Meeting In Tamil Nadu Today

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council at Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu today, bringing together chief ministers, Lieutenant Governors and administrators from the southern states and Union Territories.

The meeting will provide a platform to discuss Centre-state matters, inter-state disputes and issues of common interest, with the Zonal Council serving as a structured mechanism for dialogue and cooperation among governments.

The Southern Zonal Council comprises Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, along with the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

Among the key issues expected to be discussed are river-water sharing disputes, matters arising from the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), civil aviation and other regional concerns. Broader issues of national importance, including Fast Track Special Courts dealing with crimes against women and children and matters related to education, are also on the agenda.

The meeting is being organised by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the Tamil Nadu government hosting the event. Chief ministers, Lieutenant Governors and administrators of the member states and Union Territories, along with two senior ministers from each state, are expected to participate. Chief Secretaries, advisers and senior officials from the states and Centre will also attend.

The Zonal Councils were established under Sections 15 to 22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, and function in an advisory capacity. The Centre has described them as an important mechanism for strengthening cooperative federalism and resolving issues through dialogue and mutual consultation.

The meeting comes after Shah's arrival in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday evening, ahead of the discussions with representatives of the southern states and Union Territories.