Union Home Minister Amit Shah presided over the 28th Western Zonal Council meeting in Goa, focusing on inter-state coordination and cooperative governance. The meeting saw participation from top leaders of Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 28th Western Zonal Council meeting in Goa.
- The primary focus was on inter-state coordination and sharing best governance practices.
- Key participants included CMs of Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
- The session emphasized the roadmap for a drug-free India by 2029.
Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, chaired the 28th meeting of the Western Zonal Council in Goa on Monday, September 7, 2026. Held at a venue near Panaji, the meeting served as a critical platform for discussing inter-state coordination and cooperative governance among participating states and Union Territories.
The high-profile meeting was attended by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Praful Patel. Senior officials from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and various state governments were also present to deliberate on regional issues.
Strengthening Cooperative Federalism
The proceedings included detailed presentations by the Inter-State Council Secretariat and delegations from the participating states. The core objective was to foster a spirit of cooperative governance, ensuring that best practices in administration and security are shared across borders.
Zonal councils act as vital institutional mechanisms that bridge the gap between central policy and state implementation.
BozokMedia analysis shows that this meeting is part of a broader strategic push by the Modi government to streamline administrative efficiency. Beyond regional governance, Mr. Shah has utilized his three-day visit to reiterate the government's commitment to the 'Viksit Bharat' initiative, specifically outlining a roadmap to make India drug-free by 2029.
Historical Context and Structure
The Western Zonal Council consists of the states of Goa, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, along with the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. These councils were established under Sections 15 to 22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. While the Union Home Minister serves as the Chairman, the Vice-Chairmanship rotates annually among the Chief Ministers of the member states, with the Goa CM currently holding the position.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Union Home Minister |
| Vice-Chairman | Rotating (Current: CM of Goa) |
| Member States | Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra |
| Union Territories | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main purpose of the Western Zonal Council?
It aims to promote inter-state cooperation and resolve issues through coordination between member states and the Center.
2. Which states are part of the Western Zonal Council?
The council includes Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
