Council Meet to Boost Development and Cooperation Among States

*Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah to Chair 26th Central Zonal Council Meeting in Bastar on May 19* *Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai reviews preparations in a high-level meeting* Raipur, May 15, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai chaired a high-level review meeting at Mahanadi Bhawan in Raipur on May 15 to assess preparations for the 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council. It is scheduled to be held in Bastar on May 19 under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh will participate in the important meeting. During the meeting, officials made a detailed PowerPoint presentation on various issues proposed by the State Government for discussion at the Council meeting. Chief Minister Shri Sai reviewed the entire agenda in detail and issued necessary directions to ensure effective coordination and execution. The Chief Minister assigned responsibilities to senior administrative officials and instructed them to ensure that no shortcomings remain in the arrangements. He emphasised that all preparations should be carried out with seriousness, coordination and administrative efficiency. Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the role of the member states of the Central Zonal Council is highly significant in making India a developed nation. He noted that the Central Zonal Council is a unique regional council where there are no disputes among member states, reflecting an “excellent model of cooperation and coordination”. He added that regional councils have emerged as an effective platform for strengthening dialogue, cooperation, and coordination among states and between the Centre and the states. The Chief Minister stated that “strong states build a strong nation” and added that regional councils are providing a new direction for development, administrative coordination, and national unity. He stated that over the past few years, these councils have played an important role in promoting “healthy cooperation and development-oriented thinking” among states. Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that hosting such an important national-level meeting in Bastar is a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh. He stated that organising an event of this scale in Bastar after the restoration of peace reflects the State Government’s commitment towards “development, stability and new opportunities” in the region. The Chief Minister further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, peace has been restored in the region through sustained efforts to eradicate Naxalism, and that Bastar is now moving ahead on a “new path of growth and transformation”. He expressed confidence that Bastar, from the lap of the Indravati River, will start a new chapter of development and that the Central Zonal Council meeting will provide fresh momentum to the region’s progress.