Varanasi hosted a significant meeting of the Central Zonal Council, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, marking the 25th edition of this high-level assembly. The event saw the participation of Chief Ministers from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand, alongside senior officials, to discuss and address critical issues impacting the region's progress and security.

The primary objective of the Central Zonal Council meeting was to foster stronger inter-state coordination and promote cooperative federalism, as highlighted by the Press Information Bureau (PIB). These councils serve as crucial platforms for dialogue and discussion on matters affecting multiple states or those between the Centre and the states. The last such meeting took place on October 7, 2023, in Uttarakhand.

Deliberations during the meeting centered around a wide array of subjects, including regional law and order, border security, disaster response, and environmental protection. Social development, transportation, border issues, concerns related to minorities, and ways to strengthen nutrition, education, health, electricity, urban planning, and the cooperative system also came under discussion.

According to government sources, the council is also expected to have discussed providing brick-and-mortar banking facilities within the designated area of every village; implementation of the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) and various regional-level common interest issues.

In a statement posted on X, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the importance of cooperative and competitive federalism as a powerful tool for the country's holistic development, a vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Adityanath also noted that the council strengthens federal unity, national integrity, and regional development.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami raised several state-specific concerns and requests during the meeting. These included simplifying the grant process under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, repealing the 1989 Remote Valley Notification, and seeking additional central assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana for repairing roads damaged by natural disasters in the state's hilly regions. Dhami also requested support for establishing a glacier research center, biodiversity conservation institute, and an international adventure sports training center in Uttarakhand. Additionally, he sought assistance for successfully organizing the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra (2026) and the 2027 Kumbh Mela.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav indicated that discussions focused on cooperation between states, development, security, health, and tourism.

Amit Shah, who arrived in Varanasi on Monday for a two-day visit, also offered prayers at the Kaal Bhairav Temple along with Yogi Adityanath.

The Zonal Councils, established under the States Re-organisation Act, 1956, are statutory bodies designed to provide a common meeting ground for states and Union Territories within each zone. These councils aim to resolve inter-state and regional issues, promote balanced socioeconomic development, and build harmonious Centre-state relations. The Central Zonal Council specifically comprises the states of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

The Zonal Councils also address broad issues of national importance, including the speedy investigation of cases of sexual offenses against women and children, and the implementation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) for their swift disposal.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is the chairperson of all five Zonal Councils. The Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, and Administrators of the member states and Union Territories serve as members, with the Chief Minister of one member state acting as the vice-chairperson on a rotating basis each year. Each Zonal Council also has a standing committee at the level of the Chief Secretaries. Issues are initially presented to this committee before being raised in the Zonal Council meeting.