Notes: Inter-State Council & Zonal Councils- 1 | Political Science & International Relations: Mains Optional - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


 
INTER-STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS:
Article 263 contemplates the establishment of an Inter
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
public interest would be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure.
Evolution of Inter-State Council:
The Inter-State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
and its constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
formulated by the President in 1990.
The Sarkaria Commission on Centre
case for the establishment of a permanent Inter
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter
Council from other bodies established under the same Article 263, it must be 
called as the Inter-Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
of Article 263. 
In pursuance of the above recomme
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter
Council in 1990.5 It consists of the following members:
(i) Prime minister as the Chairman
(ii) Chief ministers of all the states
(iii) Chief ministers of un
(iv) Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies
(v) Governors of States under President’s rule
(vi) Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
nominated by the Prime Ministe
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
invitees to the Council. The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
 
STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS:
Article 263 contemplates the establishment of an Inter-State Council to effect 
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure.
State Council: 
State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
s constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
formulated by the President in 1990. 
Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations (1983–87) made a strong 
case for the establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council under Article 263 
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter
es established under the same Article 263, it must be 
Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
In pursuance of the above recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission, the 
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter
Council in 1990.5 It consists of the following members: 
Prime minister as the Chairman 
Chief ministers of all the states 
Chief ministers of union territories having legislative assemblies
Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies
Governors of States under President’s rule 
Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
nominated by the Prime Minister. 
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS: 
State Council to effect 
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure. 
State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
s constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
87) made a strong 
State Council under Article 263 
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter-State 
es established under the same Article 263, it must be 
Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
ndations of the Sarkaria Commission, the 
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter- State 
ion territories having legislative assemblies 
Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies 
Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
Page 2


 
INTER-STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS:
Article 263 contemplates the establishment of an Inter
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
public interest would be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure.
Evolution of Inter-State Council:
The Inter-State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
and its constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
formulated by the President in 1990.
The Sarkaria Commission on Centre
case for the establishment of a permanent Inter
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter
Council from other bodies established under the same Article 263, it must be 
called as the Inter-Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
of Article 263. 
In pursuance of the above recomme
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter
Council in 1990.5 It consists of the following members:
(i) Prime minister as the Chairman
(ii) Chief ministers of all the states
(iii) Chief ministers of un
(iv) Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies
(v) Governors of States under President’s rule
(vi) Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
nominated by the Prime Ministe
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
invitees to the Council. The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
 
STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS:
Article 263 contemplates the establishment of an Inter-State Council to effect 
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure.
State Council: 
State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
s constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
formulated by the President in 1990. 
Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations (1983–87) made a strong 
case for the establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council under Article 263 
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter
es established under the same Article 263, it must be 
Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
In pursuance of the above recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission, the 
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter
Council in 1990.5 It consists of the following members: 
Prime minister as the Chairman 
Chief ministers of all the states 
Chief ministers of union territories having legislative assemblies
Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies
Governors of States under President’s rule 
Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
nominated by the Prime Minister. 
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS: 
State Council to effect 
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure. 
State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
s constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
87) made a strong 
State Council under Article 263 
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter-State 
es established under the same Article 263, it must be 
Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
ndations of the Sarkaria Commission, the 
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter- State 
ion territories having legislative assemblies 
Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies 
Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
 
relating to inter-state, Centre
aims at promoting coordination between them by examining, discussing and 
deliberating on such issues. Its duties, in detail, are as follows:
? investigating and discussing such subjects in which the states or
centre have a common interest;
? making recommendations upon any such subject for the better 
coordination of policy and action on it; and
? deliberating upon such other matters of general interest to the states as 
may be referred to it by the chairman.
The council’s function to enquire and advice upon inter
complementary to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction under Article 131 to decide 
a legal controversy between the governments. The Council can deal with any 
controversy whether legal or no
of the court which gives a binding decision.
The Council may meet at least thrice in a year. Its meetings are held in camera 
and all questions are decided by consensus. There is also a Standing Committee 
of the Council. It was set up in 1996
of matters for the consideration of the Council. It consists of the following 
members: 
(i) Union Home Minister as the Chairman
(ii) Five Union Cabinet Ministers
(iii) Nine Chief Ministers
The Council is assisted by a secretariat called the Inter
Secretariat. This secretariat was set
the Government of India. Since 2011, it is also functioning as the secretariat of 
the Zonal Councils. The harsh reality is that the Inter
12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between 
the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met 
again in November 2017. 
The ISC was reconstituted in August 2019 
as its chairman and six Union ministers and all chief ministers as members.
According to a notification, 
 
state, Centre–state and Centre–union territories relations. It 
aims at promoting coordination between them by examining, discussing and 
deliberating on such issues. Its duties, in detail, are as follows: 
investigating and discussing such subjects in which the states or
centre have a common interest; 
making recommendations upon any such subject for the better 
coordination of policy and action on it; and 
deliberating upon such other matters of general interest to the states as 
may be referred to it by the chairman. 
e council’s function to enquire and advice upon inter-state disputes is 
complementary to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction under Article 131 to decide 
a legal controversy between the governments. The Council can deal with any 
controversy whether legal or non-legal, but its function is advisory unlike that 
of the court which gives a binding decision. 
The Council may meet at least thrice in a year. Its meetings are held in camera 
and all questions are decided by consensus. There is also a Standing Committee 
f the Council. It was set up in 1996 for continuous consultation and processing 
of matters for the consideration of the Council. It consists of the following 
Union Home Minister as the Chairman 
Five Union Cabinet Ministers 
Nine Chief Ministers 
Council is assisted by a secretariat called the Inter-State Council 
Secretariat. This secretariat was set-up in 1991 and is headed by a secretary to 
the Government of India. Since 2011, it is also functioning as the secretariat of 
harsh reality is that the Inter-State Council has had just 
12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between 
the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met 
in August 2019 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi 
as its chairman and six Union ministers and all chief ministers as members.
According to a notification, the Union ministers who will be members of the 
union territories relations. It 
aims at promoting coordination between them by examining, discussing and 
investigating and discussing such subjects in which the states or the 
making recommendations upon any such subject for the better 
deliberating upon such other matters of general interest to the states as 
state disputes is 
complementary to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction under Article 131 to decide 
a legal controversy between the governments. The Council can deal with any 
legal, but its function is advisory unlike that 
The Council may meet at least thrice in a year. Its meetings are held in camera 
and all questions are decided by consensus. There is also a Standing Committee 
for continuous consultation and processing 
of matters for the consideration of the Council. It consists of the following 
State Council 
up in 1991 and is headed by a secretary to 
the Government of India. Since 2011, it is also functioning as the secretariat of 
l has had just 
12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between 
the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met 
with Prime Minister Narendra Modi 
as its chairman and six Union ministers and all chief ministers as members. 
the Union ministers who will be members of the 
Page 3


 
INTER-STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS:
Article 263 contemplates the establishment of an Inter
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
public interest would be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure.
Evolution of Inter-State Council:
The Inter-State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
and its constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
formulated by the President in 1990.
The Sarkaria Commission on Centre
case for the establishment of a permanent Inter
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter
Council from other bodies established under the same Article 263, it must be 
called as the Inter-Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
of Article 263. 
In pursuance of the above recomme
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter
Council in 1990.5 It consists of the following members:
(i) Prime minister as the Chairman
(ii) Chief ministers of all the states
(iii) Chief ministers of un
(iv) Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies
(v) Governors of States under President’s rule
(vi) Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
nominated by the Prime Ministe
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
invitees to the Council. The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
 
STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS:
Article 263 contemplates the establishment of an Inter-State Council to effect 
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure.
State Council: 
State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
s constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
formulated by the President in 1990. 
Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations (1983–87) made a strong 
case for the establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council under Article 263 
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter
es established under the same Article 263, it must be 
Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
In pursuance of the above recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission, the 
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter
Council in 1990.5 It consists of the following members: 
Prime minister as the Chairman 
Chief ministers of all the states 
Chief ministers of union territories having legislative assemblies
Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies
Governors of States under President’s rule 
Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
nominated by the Prime Minister. 
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS: 
State Council to effect 
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure. 
State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
s constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
87) made a strong 
State Council under Article 263 
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter-State 
es established under the same Article 263, it must be 
Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
ndations of the Sarkaria Commission, the 
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter- State 
ion territories having legislative assemblies 
Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies 
Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
 
relating to inter-state, Centre
aims at promoting coordination between them by examining, discussing and 
deliberating on such issues. Its duties, in detail, are as follows:
? investigating and discussing such subjects in which the states or
centre have a common interest;
? making recommendations upon any such subject for the better 
coordination of policy and action on it; and
? deliberating upon such other matters of general interest to the states as 
may be referred to it by the chairman.
The council’s function to enquire and advice upon inter
complementary to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction under Article 131 to decide 
a legal controversy between the governments. The Council can deal with any 
controversy whether legal or no
of the court which gives a binding decision.
The Council may meet at least thrice in a year. Its meetings are held in camera 
and all questions are decided by consensus. There is also a Standing Committee 
of the Council. It was set up in 1996
of matters for the consideration of the Council. It consists of the following 
members: 
(i) Union Home Minister as the Chairman
(ii) Five Union Cabinet Ministers
(iii) Nine Chief Ministers
The Council is assisted by a secretariat called the Inter
Secretariat. This secretariat was set
the Government of India. Since 2011, it is also functioning as the secretariat of 
the Zonal Councils. The harsh reality is that the Inter
12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between 
the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met 
again in November 2017. 
The ISC was reconstituted in August 2019 
as its chairman and six Union ministers and all chief ministers as members.
According to a notification, 
 
state, Centre–state and Centre–union territories relations. It 
aims at promoting coordination between them by examining, discussing and 
deliberating on such issues. Its duties, in detail, are as follows: 
investigating and discussing such subjects in which the states or
centre have a common interest; 
making recommendations upon any such subject for the better 
coordination of policy and action on it; and 
deliberating upon such other matters of general interest to the states as 
may be referred to it by the chairman. 
e council’s function to enquire and advice upon inter-state disputes is 
complementary to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction under Article 131 to decide 
a legal controversy between the governments. The Council can deal with any 
controversy whether legal or non-legal, but its function is advisory unlike that 
of the court which gives a binding decision. 
The Council may meet at least thrice in a year. Its meetings are held in camera 
and all questions are decided by consensus. There is also a Standing Committee 
f the Council. It was set up in 1996 for continuous consultation and processing 
of matters for the consideration of the Council. It consists of the following 
Union Home Minister as the Chairman 
Five Union Cabinet Ministers 
Nine Chief Ministers 
Council is assisted by a secretariat called the Inter-State Council 
Secretariat. This secretariat was set-up in 1991 and is headed by a secretary to 
the Government of India. Since 2011, it is also functioning as the secretariat of 
harsh reality is that the Inter-State Council has had just 
12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between 
the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met 
in August 2019 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi 
as its chairman and six Union ministers and all chief ministers as members.
According to a notification, the Union ministers who will be members of the 
union territories relations. It 
aims at promoting coordination between them by examining, discussing and 
investigating and discussing such subjects in which the states or the 
making recommendations upon any such subject for the better 
deliberating upon such other matters of general interest to the states as 
state disputes is 
complementary to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction under Article 131 to decide 
a legal controversy between the governments. The Council can deal with any 
legal, but its function is advisory unlike that 
The Council may meet at least thrice in a year. Its meetings are held in camera 
and all questions are decided by consensus. There is also a Standing Committee 
for continuous consultation and processing 
of matters for the consideration of the Council. It consists of the following 
State Council 
up in 1991 and is headed by a secretary to 
the Government of India. Since 2011, it is also functioning as the secretariat of 
l has had just 
12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between 
the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met 
with Prime Minister Narendra Modi 
as its chairman and six Union ministers and all chief ministers as members. 
the Union ministers who will be members of the 
 
reconstituted council are Amit Shah (Home), Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance), 
Rajnath Singh (Defence), Narendra Singh Tomar (Minister of Agriculture and 
Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj).
Thaawar Chand Gehlot (Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment) and 
Hardeep Singh Puri (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of 
Housing and Urban Affairs, Civil Aviation and Minister of State in the Ministry 
of Commerce and Industry).
There is still a belief that India does not have adequate institutions to manage 
conflicts between states. It is important to note that the very first reason the 
Constitution gives for setting up the institution is that it will be useful when it 
comes to “inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have arisen 
between states". The other two are to discuss subjects for which the components 
of the Indian union have common interests, and to figur
policy. 
Any reasonably complicated federation is bound to have some frictions.
the institutional architecture of Indian federalism is focused on relations 
between the Union government and the states.
space to settle inter-state frictions, especially since the Rajya Sabha is no longer 
treated as a council of states but as a p
political parties. Regional divergence could lead to
and matters could get worse once the delimitation of parliamentary 
constituencies is unfrozen in 2026.
A rejuvenated Inter-State Council will thus have an important role to pla
coming years, especially since its members are the political leaders of their 
respective states. The council is as yet just a discussion group, but it should 
have a greater say in federal coordination in the future. The GST council has an 
innovative voting structure, with the Union government having a third of the 
vote while the states share the rest equally, irrespective of the size of their 
population or economy. That is one option for a more empowered Inter
Council. 
Zonal Councils: 
The Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies. They
are established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act
 
reconstituted council are Amit Shah (Home), Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance), 
Rajnath Singh (Defence), Narendra Singh Tomar (Minister of Agriculture and 
Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj). Other members are: 
Thaawar Chand Gehlot (Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment) and 
Hardeep Singh Puri (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of 
Housing and Urban Affairs, Civil Aviation and Minister of State in the Ministry 
and Industry). 
India does not have adequate institutions to manage 
It is important to note that the very first reason the 
itution gives for setting up the institution is that it will be useful when it 
comes to “inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have arisen 
between states". The other two are to discuss subjects for which the components 
e common interests, and to figure out how to coordinate 
Any reasonably complicated federation is bound to have some frictions.
the institutional architecture of Indian federalism is focused on relations 
between the Union government and the states. There is far less institutional 
state frictions, especially since the Rajya Sabha is no longer 
treated as a council of states but as a parking lot for unelectable leaders of 
Regional divergence could lead to further inter-state tensions
and matters could get worse once the delimitation of parliamentary 
constituencies is unfrozen in 2026. 
State Council will thus have an important role to pla
coming years, especially since its members are the political leaders of their 
respective states. The council is as yet just a discussion group, but it should 
have a greater say in federal coordination in the future. The GST council has an 
ve voting structure, with the Union government having a third of the 
vote while the states share the rest equally, irrespective of the size of their 
population or economy. That is one option for a more empowered Inter
The Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies. They
are established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act
reconstituted council are Amit Shah (Home), Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance), 
Rajnath Singh (Defence), Narendra Singh Tomar (Minister of Agriculture and 
er members are: 
Thaawar Chand Gehlot (Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment) and 
Hardeep Singh Puri (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of 
Housing and Urban Affairs, Civil Aviation and Minister of State in the Ministry 
India does not have adequate institutions to manage 
It is important to note that the very first reason the 
itution gives for setting up the institution is that it will be useful when it 
comes to “inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have arisen 
between states". The other two are to discuss subjects for which the components 
e out how to coordinate 
Any reasonably complicated federation is bound to have some frictions. Most of 
the institutional architecture of Indian federalism is focused on relations 
There is far less institutional 
state frictions, especially since the Rajya Sabha is no longer 
arking lot for unelectable leaders of 
state tensions—
and matters could get worse once the delimitation of parliamentary 
State Council will thus have an important role to play in the 
coming years, especially since its members are the political leaders of their 
respective states. The council is as yet just a discussion group, but it should 
have a greater say in federal coordination in the future. The GST council has an 
ve voting structure, with the Union government having a third of the 
vote while the states share the rest equally, irrespective of the size of their 
population or economy. That is one option for a more empowered Inter-State 
The Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies. They 
are established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act of 
Page 4


 
INTER-STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS:
Article 263 contemplates the establishment of an Inter
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
public interest would be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure.
Evolution of Inter-State Council:
The Inter-State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
and its constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
formulated by the President in 1990.
The Sarkaria Commission on Centre
case for the establishment of a permanent Inter
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter
Council from other bodies established under the same Article 263, it must be 
called as the Inter-Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
of Article 263. 
In pursuance of the above recomme
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter
Council in 1990.5 It consists of the following members:
(i) Prime minister as the Chairman
(ii) Chief ministers of all the states
(iii) Chief ministers of un
(iv) Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies
(v) Governors of States under President’s rule
(vi) Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
nominated by the Prime Ministe
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
invitees to the Council. The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
 
STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS:
Article 263 contemplates the establishment of an Inter-State Council to effect 
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure.
State Council: 
State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
s constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
formulated by the President in 1990. 
Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations (1983–87) made a strong 
case for the establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council under Article 263 
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter
es established under the same Article 263, it must be 
Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
In pursuance of the above recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission, the 
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter
Council in 1990.5 It consists of the following members: 
Prime minister as the Chairman 
Chief ministers of all the states 
Chief ministers of union territories having legislative assemblies
Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies
Governors of States under President’s rule 
Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
nominated by the Prime Minister. 
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS: 
State Council to effect 
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure. 
State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
s constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
87) made a strong 
State Council under Article 263 
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter-State 
es established under the same Article 263, it must be 
Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
ndations of the Sarkaria Commission, the 
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter- State 
ion territories having legislative assemblies 
Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies 
Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
 
relating to inter-state, Centre
aims at promoting coordination between them by examining, discussing and 
deliberating on such issues. Its duties, in detail, are as follows:
? investigating and discussing such subjects in which the states or
centre have a common interest;
? making recommendations upon any such subject for the better 
coordination of policy and action on it; and
? deliberating upon such other matters of general interest to the states as 
may be referred to it by the chairman.
The council’s function to enquire and advice upon inter
complementary to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction under Article 131 to decide 
a legal controversy between the governments. The Council can deal with any 
controversy whether legal or no
of the court which gives a binding decision.
The Council may meet at least thrice in a year. Its meetings are held in camera 
and all questions are decided by consensus. There is also a Standing Committee 
of the Council. It was set up in 1996
of matters for the consideration of the Council. It consists of the following 
members: 
(i) Union Home Minister as the Chairman
(ii) Five Union Cabinet Ministers
(iii) Nine Chief Ministers
The Council is assisted by a secretariat called the Inter
Secretariat. This secretariat was set
the Government of India. Since 2011, it is also functioning as the secretariat of 
the Zonal Councils. The harsh reality is that the Inter
12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between 
the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met 
again in November 2017. 
The ISC was reconstituted in August 2019 
as its chairman and six Union ministers and all chief ministers as members.
According to a notification, 
 
state, Centre–state and Centre–union territories relations. It 
aims at promoting coordination between them by examining, discussing and 
deliberating on such issues. Its duties, in detail, are as follows: 
investigating and discussing such subjects in which the states or
centre have a common interest; 
making recommendations upon any such subject for the better 
coordination of policy and action on it; and 
deliberating upon such other matters of general interest to the states as 
may be referred to it by the chairman. 
e council’s function to enquire and advice upon inter-state disputes is 
complementary to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction under Article 131 to decide 
a legal controversy between the governments. The Council can deal with any 
controversy whether legal or non-legal, but its function is advisory unlike that 
of the court which gives a binding decision. 
The Council may meet at least thrice in a year. Its meetings are held in camera 
and all questions are decided by consensus. There is also a Standing Committee 
f the Council. It was set up in 1996 for continuous consultation and processing 
of matters for the consideration of the Council. It consists of the following 
Union Home Minister as the Chairman 
Five Union Cabinet Ministers 
Nine Chief Ministers 
Council is assisted by a secretariat called the Inter-State Council 
Secretariat. This secretariat was set-up in 1991 and is headed by a secretary to 
the Government of India. Since 2011, it is also functioning as the secretariat of 
harsh reality is that the Inter-State Council has had just 
12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between 
the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met 
in August 2019 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi 
as its chairman and six Union ministers and all chief ministers as members.
According to a notification, the Union ministers who will be members of the 
union territories relations. It 
aims at promoting coordination between them by examining, discussing and 
investigating and discussing such subjects in which the states or the 
making recommendations upon any such subject for the better 
deliberating upon such other matters of general interest to the states as 
state disputes is 
complementary to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction under Article 131 to decide 
a legal controversy between the governments. The Council can deal with any 
legal, but its function is advisory unlike that 
The Council may meet at least thrice in a year. Its meetings are held in camera 
and all questions are decided by consensus. There is also a Standing Committee 
for continuous consultation and processing 
of matters for the consideration of the Council. It consists of the following 
State Council 
up in 1991 and is headed by a secretary to 
the Government of India. Since 2011, it is also functioning as the secretariat of 
l has had just 
12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between 
the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met 
with Prime Minister Narendra Modi 
as its chairman and six Union ministers and all chief ministers as members. 
the Union ministers who will be members of the 
 
reconstituted council are Amit Shah (Home), Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance), 
Rajnath Singh (Defence), Narendra Singh Tomar (Minister of Agriculture and 
Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj).
Thaawar Chand Gehlot (Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment) and 
Hardeep Singh Puri (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of 
Housing and Urban Affairs, Civil Aviation and Minister of State in the Ministry 
of Commerce and Industry).
There is still a belief that India does not have adequate institutions to manage 
conflicts between states. It is important to note that the very first reason the 
Constitution gives for setting up the institution is that it will be useful when it 
comes to “inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have arisen 
between states". The other two are to discuss subjects for which the components 
of the Indian union have common interests, and to figur
policy. 
Any reasonably complicated federation is bound to have some frictions.
the institutional architecture of Indian federalism is focused on relations 
between the Union government and the states.
space to settle inter-state frictions, especially since the Rajya Sabha is no longer 
treated as a council of states but as a p
political parties. Regional divergence could lead to
and matters could get worse once the delimitation of parliamentary 
constituencies is unfrozen in 2026.
A rejuvenated Inter-State Council will thus have an important role to pla
coming years, especially since its members are the political leaders of their 
respective states. The council is as yet just a discussion group, but it should 
have a greater say in federal coordination in the future. The GST council has an 
innovative voting structure, with the Union government having a third of the 
vote while the states share the rest equally, irrespective of the size of their 
population or economy. That is one option for a more empowered Inter
Council. 
Zonal Councils: 
The Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies. They
are established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act
 
reconstituted council are Amit Shah (Home), Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance), 
Rajnath Singh (Defence), Narendra Singh Tomar (Minister of Agriculture and 
Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj). Other members are: 
Thaawar Chand Gehlot (Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment) and 
Hardeep Singh Puri (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of 
Housing and Urban Affairs, Civil Aviation and Minister of State in the Ministry 
and Industry). 
India does not have adequate institutions to manage 
It is important to note that the very first reason the 
itution gives for setting up the institution is that it will be useful when it 
comes to “inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have arisen 
between states". The other two are to discuss subjects for which the components 
e common interests, and to figure out how to coordinate 
Any reasonably complicated federation is bound to have some frictions.
the institutional architecture of Indian federalism is focused on relations 
between the Union government and the states. There is far less institutional 
state frictions, especially since the Rajya Sabha is no longer 
treated as a council of states but as a parking lot for unelectable leaders of 
Regional divergence could lead to further inter-state tensions
and matters could get worse once the delimitation of parliamentary 
constituencies is unfrozen in 2026. 
State Council will thus have an important role to pla
coming years, especially since its members are the political leaders of their 
respective states. The council is as yet just a discussion group, but it should 
have a greater say in federal coordination in the future. The GST council has an 
ve voting structure, with the Union government having a third of the 
vote while the states share the rest equally, irrespective of the size of their 
population or economy. That is one option for a more empowered Inter
The Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies. They
are established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act
reconstituted council are Amit Shah (Home), Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance), 
Rajnath Singh (Defence), Narendra Singh Tomar (Minister of Agriculture and 
er members are: 
Thaawar Chand Gehlot (Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment) and 
Hardeep Singh Puri (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of 
Housing and Urban Affairs, Civil Aviation and Minister of State in the Ministry 
India does not have adequate institutions to manage 
It is important to note that the very first reason the 
itution gives for setting up the institution is that it will be useful when it 
comes to “inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have arisen 
between states". The other two are to discuss subjects for which the components 
e out how to coordinate 
Any reasonably complicated federation is bound to have some frictions. Most of 
the institutional architecture of Indian federalism is focused on relations 
There is far less institutional 
state frictions, especially since the Rajya Sabha is no longer 
arking lot for unelectable leaders of 
state tensions—
and matters could get worse once the delimitation of parliamentary 
State Council will thus have an important role to play in the 
coming years, especially since its members are the political leaders of their 
respective states. The council is as yet just a discussion group, but it should 
have a greater say in federal coordination in the future. The GST council has an 
ve voting structure, with the Union government having a third of the 
vote while the states share the rest equally, irrespective of the size of their 
population or economy. That is one option for a more empowered Inter-State 
The Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies. They 
are established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act of 
 
1956. The act divided the country into five zones (Northern, Central,
Western and Southern) and provided a zonal council for each zone.
forming these zones, several factors have been taken into account
include: the natural divisions of the country, the river systems and
communication, the cultural and linguistic affini
economic development, security and law and order.
Each zonal council consists of the following members:
(a) Home minister of Central government
(b) Chief ministers of all the States in the zone
(c) Two other ministers from each
(d) Administrator of each
Besides, the following persons can be asso
 advisors (i.e., without the right to vote in the meetings):
(i) a person nominated by the Planning Commission;
(ii) chief secretary of the government of ea
(iii) development commissioner
The home minister of Central government is the common chairman of the
zonal councils. Each chief minister acts as a vice
rotation, holding office for a period of one year at a time.
aim at promoting cooperation and coordin
and the Centre. They discuss and make
economic and social planning,
transport, and so on. They are only deliberative and advi
In addition to the above Zonal Councils, 
by a separate Act of Parliament
members include Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Tripura and Sikkim.
councils, but with few additions. It
regional plan covering matters of
time to time the measures taken
security and public order in the
The objectives (or the functions) of the zonal councils, in detail, are as
 
1956. The act divided the country into five zones (Northern, Central,
thern) and provided a zonal council for each zone.
forming these zones, several factors have been taken into account
include: the natural divisions of the country, the river systems and
communication, the cultural and linguistic affinity and the requirements of 
economic development, security and law and order. 
Each zonal council consists of the following members: 
of Central government 
s of all the States in the zone 
Two other ministers from each state in the zone 
Administrator of each union territory in the zone. 
Besides, the following persons can be associated with the zonal councils
advisors (i.e., without the right to vote in the meetings): 
a person nominated by the Planning Commission; 
the government of each state in the zone; and
development commissioner of each state in the zone. 
of Central government is the common chairman of the
zonal councils. Each chief minister acts as a vice-chairman of the council
rotation, holding office for a period of one year at a time. The zonal councils 
aim at promoting cooperation and coordination between states, union territories 
and the Centre. They discuss and make recommendations regarding matters like 
economic and social planning, linguistic minorities, border disputes, inter
are only deliberative and advisory bodies. 
In addition to the above Zonal Councils, a North-Eastern Council was created 
by a separate Act of Parliament—the North-Eastern Council Act of 1971.
members include Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunchal Pradesh, Nagaland,
Meghalaya, Tripura and Sikkim. Its functions are similar to those of the z
councils, but with few additions. It has to formulate a unified and coordinated 
regional plan covering matters of common importance. It has to review from 
time to time the measures taken by the member states for the maintenance of 
security and public order in the region. 
The objectives (or the functions) of the zonal councils, in detail, are as
1956. The act divided the country into five zones (Northern, Central, Eastern, 
thern) and provided a zonal council for each zone. While 
forming these zones, several factors have been taken into account which 
include: the natural divisions of the country, the river systems and means of 
requirements of 
with the zonal councils
zone; and 
of Central government is the common chairman of the five 
chairman of the council by 
The zonal councils 
between states, union territories 
recommendations regarding matters like 
linguistic minorities, border disputes, inter-state 
 
Eastern Council was created 
Eastern Council Act of 1971. Its 
Mizoram, Arunchal Pradesh, Nagaland, 
functions are similar to those of the zonal 
has to formulate a unified and coordinated 
common importance. It has to review from 
by the member states for the maintenance of 
The objectives (or the functions) of the zonal councils, in detail, are as follows: 
Page 5


 
INTER-STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS:
Article 263 contemplates the establishment of an Inter
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
public interest would be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure.
Evolution of Inter-State Council:
The Inter-State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
and its constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
formulated by the President in 1990.
The Sarkaria Commission on Centre
case for the establishment of a permanent Inter
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter
Council from other bodies established under the same Article 263, it must be 
called as the Inter-Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
of Article 263. 
In pursuance of the above recomme
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter
Council in 1990.5 It consists of the following members:
(i) Prime minister as the Chairman
(ii) Chief ministers of all the states
(iii) Chief ministers of un
(iv) Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies
(v) Governors of States under President’s rule
(vi) Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
nominated by the Prime Ministe
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
invitees to the Council. The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
 
STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS:
Article 263 contemplates the establishment of an Inter-State Council to effect 
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure.
State Council: 
State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
s constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
formulated by the President in 1990. 
Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations (1983–87) made a strong 
case for the establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council under Article 263 
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter
es established under the same Article 263, it must be 
Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
In pursuance of the above recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission, the 
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter
Council in 1990.5 It consists of the following members: 
Prime minister as the Chairman 
Chief ministers of all the states 
Chief ministers of union territories having legislative assemblies
Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies
Governors of States under President’s rule 
Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
nominated by the Prime Minister. 
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
STATE COUNCIL AND ZONAL COUNCILS: 
State Council to effect 
coordination between the states and between Centre and states. Thus, the 
President can establish such a council if at any time it appears to him that the 
be served by its establishment. He can define the nature of 
duties to be performed by such a council and its organisation and procedure. 
State Council was seen as a tool for building cooperative federalism 
s constitution was suggested time and again by numerous commissions 
and committees starting from the Administrative Reforms Commission. 
However, it was only with the Sarkaria Commission Report that ISC was finally 
87) made a strong 
State Council under Article 263 
of the Constitution. It recommended that in order to differentiate the Inter-State 
es established under the same Article 263, it must be 
Governmental Council. The Commission recommended that 
the Council should be charged with the duties laid down in clauses (b) and (c) 
ndations of the Sarkaria Commission, the 
Janata Dal Government headed by V. P. Singh established the Inter- State 
ion territories having legislative assemblies 
Administrators of union territories not having legislative assemblies 
Six Central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, to be 
Five Ministers of Cabinet rank / Minister of State (independent charge) 
nominated by the Chairman of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) are permanent 
The council is a recommendatory body on issues 
 
relating to inter-state, Centre
aims at promoting coordination between them by examining, discussing and 
deliberating on such issues. Its duties, in detail, are as follows:
? investigating and discussing such subjects in which the states or
centre have a common interest;
? making recommendations upon any such subject for the better 
coordination of policy and action on it; and
? deliberating upon such other matters of general interest to the states as 
may be referred to it by the chairman.
The council’s function to enquire and advice upon inter
complementary to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction under Article 131 to decide 
a legal controversy between the governments. The Council can deal with any 
controversy whether legal or no
of the court which gives a binding decision.
The Council may meet at least thrice in a year. Its meetings are held in camera 
and all questions are decided by consensus. There is also a Standing Committee 
of the Council. It was set up in 1996
of matters for the consideration of the Council. It consists of the following 
members: 
(i) Union Home Minister as the Chairman
(ii) Five Union Cabinet Ministers
(iii) Nine Chief Ministers
The Council is assisted by a secretariat called the Inter
Secretariat. This secretariat was set
the Government of India. Since 2011, it is also functioning as the secretariat of 
the Zonal Councils. The harsh reality is that the Inter
12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between 
the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met 
again in November 2017. 
The ISC was reconstituted in August 2019 
as its chairman and six Union ministers and all chief ministers as members.
According to a notification, 
 
state, Centre–state and Centre–union territories relations. It 
aims at promoting coordination between them by examining, discussing and 
deliberating on such issues. Its duties, in detail, are as follows: 
investigating and discussing such subjects in which the states or
centre have a common interest; 
making recommendations upon any such subject for the better 
coordination of policy and action on it; and 
deliberating upon such other matters of general interest to the states as 
may be referred to it by the chairman. 
e council’s function to enquire and advice upon inter-state disputes is 
complementary to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction under Article 131 to decide 
a legal controversy between the governments. The Council can deal with any 
controversy whether legal or non-legal, but its function is advisory unlike that 
of the court which gives a binding decision. 
The Council may meet at least thrice in a year. Its meetings are held in camera 
and all questions are decided by consensus. There is also a Standing Committee 
f the Council. It was set up in 1996 for continuous consultation and processing 
of matters for the consideration of the Council. It consists of the following 
Union Home Minister as the Chairman 
Five Union Cabinet Ministers 
Nine Chief Ministers 
Council is assisted by a secretariat called the Inter-State Council 
Secretariat. This secretariat was set-up in 1991 and is headed by a secretary to 
the Government of India. Since 2011, it is also functioning as the secretariat of 
harsh reality is that the Inter-State Council has had just 
12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between 
the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met 
in August 2019 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi 
as its chairman and six Union ministers and all chief ministers as members.
According to a notification, the Union ministers who will be members of the 
union territories relations. It 
aims at promoting coordination between them by examining, discussing and 
investigating and discussing such subjects in which the states or the 
making recommendations upon any such subject for the better 
deliberating upon such other matters of general interest to the states as 
state disputes is 
complementary to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction under Article 131 to decide 
a legal controversy between the governments. The Council can deal with any 
legal, but its function is advisory unlike that 
The Council may meet at least thrice in a year. Its meetings are held in camera 
and all questions are decided by consensus. There is also a Standing Committee 
for continuous consultation and processing 
of matters for the consideration of the Council. It consists of the following 
State Council 
up in 1991 and is headed by a secretary to 
the Government of India. Since 2011, it is also functioning as the secretariat of 
l has had just 
12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between 
the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met 
with Prime Minister Narendra Modi 
as its chairman and six Union ministers and all chief ministers as members. 
the Union ministers who will be members of the 
 
reconstituted council are Amit Shah (Home), Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance), 
Rajnath Singh (Defence), Narendra Singh Tomar (Minister of Agriculture and 
Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj).
Thaawar Chand Gehlot (Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment) and 
Hardeep Singh Puri (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of 
Housing and Urban Affairs, Civil Aviation and Minister of State in the Ministry 
of Commerce and Industry).
There is still a belief that India does not have adequate institutions to manage 
conflicts between states. It is important to note that the very first reason the 
Constitution gives for setting up the institution is that it will be useful when it 
comes to “inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have arisen 
between states". The other two are to discuss subjects for which the components 
of the Indian union have common interests, and to figur
policy. 
Any reasonably complicated federation is bound to have some frictions.
the institutional architecture of Indian federalism is focused on relations 
between the Union government and the states.
space to settle inter-state frictions, especially since the Rajya Sabha is no longer 
treated as a council of states but as a p
political parties. Regional divergence could lead to
and matters could get worse once the delimitation of parliamentary 
constituencies is unfrozen in 2026.
A rejuvenated Inter-State Council will thus have an important role to pla
coming years, especially since its members are the political leaders of their 
respective states. The council is as yet just a discussion group, but it should 
have a greater say in federal coordination in the future. The GST council has an 
innovative voting structure, with the Union government having a third of the 
vote while the states share the rest equally, irrespective of the size of their 
population or economy. That is one option for a more empowered Inter
Council. 
Zonal Councils: 
The Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies. They
are established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act
 
reconstituted council are Amit Shah (Home), Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance), 
Rajnath Singh (Defence), Narendra Singh Tomar (Minister of Agriculture and 
Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj). Other members are: 
Thaawar Chand Gehlot (Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment) and 
Hardeep Singh Puri (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of 
Housing and Urban Affairs, Civil Aviation and Minister of State in the Ministry 
and Industry). 
India does not have adequate institutions to manage 
It is important to note that the very first reason the 
itution gives for setting up the institution is that it will be useful when it 
comes to “inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have arisen 
between states". The other two are to discuss subjects for which the components 
e common interests, and to figure out how to coordinate 
Any reasonably complicated federation is bound to have some frictions.
the institutional architecture of Indian federalism is focused on relations 
between the Union government and the states. There is far less institutional 
state frictions, especially since the Rajya Sabha is no longer 
treated as a council of states but as a parking lot for unelectable leaders of 
Regional divergence could lead to further inter-state tensions
and matters could get worse once the delimitation of parliamentary 
constituencies is unfrozen in 2026. 
State Council will thus have an important role to pla
coming years, especially since its members are the political leaders of their 
respective states. The council is as yet just a discussion group, but it should 
have a greater say in federal coordination in the future. The GST council has an 
ve voting structure, with the Union government having a third of the 
vote while the states share the rest equally, irrespective of the size of their 
population or economy. That is one option for a more empowered Inter
The Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies. They
are established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act
reconstituted council are Amit Shah (Home), Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance), 
Rajnath Singh (Defence), Narendra Singh Tomar (Minister of Agriculture and 
er members are: 
Thaawar Chand Gehlot (Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment) and 
Hardeep Singh Puri (Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of 
Housing and Urban Affairs, Civil Aviation and Minister of State in the Ministry 
India does not have adequate institutions to manage 
It is important to note that the very first reason the 
itution gives for setting up the institution is that it will be useful when it 
comes to “inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have arisen 
between states". The other two are to discuss subjects for which the components 
e out how to coordinate 
Any reasonably complicated federation is bound to have some frictions. Most of 
the institutional architecture of Indian federalism is focused on relations 
There is far less institutional 
state frictions, especially since the Rajya Sabha is no longer 
arking lot for unelectable leaders of 
state tensions—
and matters could get worse once the delimitation of parliamentary 
State Council will thus have an important role to play in the 
coming years, especially since its members are the political leaders of their 
respective states. The council is as yet just a discussion group, but it should 
have a greater say in federal coordination in the future. The GST council has an 
ve voting structure, with the Union government having a third of the 
vote while the states share the rest equally, irrespective of the size of their 
population or economy. That is one option for a more empowered Inter-State 
The Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies. They 
are established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act of 
 
1956. The act divided the country into five zones (Northern, Central,
Western and Southern) and provided a zonal council for each zone.
forming these zones, several factors have been taken into account
include: the natural divisions of the country, the river systems and
communication, the cultural and linguistic affini
economic development, security and law and order.
Each zonal council consists of the following members:
(a) Home minister of Central government
(b) Chief ministers of all the States in the zone
(c) Two other ministers from each
(d) Administrator of each
Besides, the following persons can be asso
 advisors (i.e., without the right to vote in the meetings):
(i) a person nominated by the Planning Commission;
(ii) chief secretary of the government of ea
(iii) development commissioner
The home minister of Central government is the common chairman of the
zonal councils. Each chief minister acts as a vice
rotation, holding office for a period of one year at a time.
aim at promoting cooperation and coordin
and the Centre. They discuss and make
economic and social planning,
transport, and so on. They are only deliberative and advi
In addition to the above Zonal Councils, 
by a separate Act of Parliament
members include Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Tripura and Sikkim.
councils, but with few additions. It
regional plan covering matters of
time to time the measures taken
security and public order in the
The objectives (or the functions) of the zonal councils, in detail, are as
 
1956. The act divided the country into five zones (Northern, Central,
thern) and provided a zonal council for each zone.
forming these zones, several factors have been taken into account
include: the natural divisions of the country, the river systems and
communication, the cultural and linguistic affinity and the requirements of 
economic development, security and law and order. 
Each zonal council consists of the following members: 
of Central government 
s of all the States in the zone 
Two other ministers from each state in the zone 
Administrator of each union territory in the zone. 
Besides, the following persons can be associated with the zonal councils
advisors (i.e., without the right to vote in the meetings): 
a person nominated by the Planning Commission; 
the government of each state in the zone; and
development commissioner of each state in the zone. 
of Central government is the common chairman of the
zonal councils. Each chief minister acts as a vice-chairman of the council
rotation, holding office for a period of one year at a time. The zonal councils 
aim at promoting cooperation and coordination between states, union territories 
and the Centre. They discuss and make recommendations regarding matters like 
economic and social planning, linguistic minorities, border disputes, inter
are only deliberative and advisory bodies. 
In addition to the above Zonal Councils, a North-Eastern Council was created 
by a separate Act of Parliament—the North-Eastern Council Act of 1971.
members include Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunchal Pradesh, Nagaland,
Meghalaya, Tripura and Sikkim. Its functions are similar to those of the z
councils, but with few additions. It has to formulate a unified and coordinated 
regional plan covering matters of common importance. It has to review from 
time to time the measures taken by the member states for the maintenance of 
security and public order in the region. 
The objectives (or the functions) of the zonal councils, in detail, are as
1956. The act divided the country into five zones (Northern, Central, Eastern, 
thern) and provided a zonal council for each zone. While 
forming these zones, several factors have been taken into account which 
include: the natural divisions of the country, the river systems and means of 
requirements of 
with the zonal councils
zone; and 
of Central government is the common chairman of the five 
chairman of the council by 
The zonal councils 
between states, union territories 
recommendations regarding matters like 
linguistic minorities, border disputes, inter-state 
 
Eastern Council was created 
Eastern Council Act of 1971. Its 
Mizoram, Arunchal Pradesh, Nagaland, 
functions are similar to those of the zonal 
has to formulate a unified and coordinated 
common importance. It has to review from 
by the member states for the maintenance of 
The objectives (or the functions) of the zonal councils, in detail, are as follows: 
 
? To achieve an emotional integration of the country.
? To help in arresting the growth of acute state
linguism and particularistic trends.
? To help in removing the after
the process of reorganisation, integration and economic advancement 
may synchronise. 
? To enable the Centre and states to cooperate with each other in social and
economic matters and exchange ideas and experience in order to evolve
uniform policies. 
? To cooperate with each other in the successful and speedy execution of
major development projects.
? To secure some kind of political equilibrium between different regions of
the country. 
 
To achieve an emotional integration of the country. 
To help in arresting the growth of acute state-consciousness, regionalism,
linguism and particularistic trends. 
To help in removing the after-effects of separation in some cases so that 
ss of reorganisation, integration and economic advancement 
To enable the Centre and states to cooperate with each other in social and
economic matters and exchange ideas and experience in order to evolve
with each other in the successful and speedy execution of
major development projects. 
To secure some kind of political equilibrium between different regions of
consciousness, regionalism, 
effects of separation in some cases so that 
ss of reorganisation, integration and economic advancement 
To enable the Centre and states to cooperate with each other in social and 
economic matters and exchange ideas and experience in order to evolve 
with each other in the successful and speedy execution of 
To secure some kind of political equilibrium between different regions of