States, UTs to Participate

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. Chief Ministers, senior ministers, administrators and senior government officials from the member regions are expected to attend. 

Key Issues on Agenda

Discussions are expected to cover inter-state cooperation, water-resource sharing, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, economic growth, industrial investment, IT, disaster management, crime prevention and border-related issues. Water-sharing matters are likely to receive particular attention given their importance in relations between southern states. 

The meeting may also take up the implementation of Fast Track Special Courts for speedy investigation and trial of rape cases involving women and children, along with issues linked to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act and other regional matters. 

Centre-State Coordination

The Southern Zonal Council is a statutory body established under Sections 15 to 22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. Its primary purpose is to provide a platform for resolving inter-state and Centre-state issues through consultation and cooperation. 

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. A standing committee of Chief Secretaries examines issues raised by member states before they are placed before the full council. 

The Centre has described the Zonal Councils as an important mechanism for advancing cooperative federalism and dialogue between states and the Union government. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, 69 meetings of various Zonal Councils and their standing committees have been held since June 2014. 

Amit Shah Meets Tamil Nadu CM

Ahead of Thursday's meeting, Shah arrived in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday night and also met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in Kovalam.