Overview: On 19 May 2026, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah chaired the 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council (CZC) in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. The meeting marked the declaration of a Naxal‑free India and highlighted a coordinated push for development in former insurgent areas.
Key Developments
- All four member states – Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand – attended, signalling strong federal cooperation.
- The government announced that the entire Bastar region is now free of both Naxal activity and inter‑state or Centre‑state disputes.
- Meetings of Zonal Councils have risen from 11 (2004‑2014) to 32 (2014‑2026); issues discussed grew from 569 to 1,729, with about 80% resolved.
- Emphasis on the Whole of Government Approach to deliver development to erstwhile Naxal‑affected districts.
- Priority sectors identified: water supply (Jal Jeevan Mission‑2), health, nutrition, education, financial inclusion and power reforms.
- Calls for faster resolution of criminal cases, including setting up special courts for cases pending >5 years and achieving a three‑year disposal target for all cases up to the Supreme Court by 2029.
- Implementation of the DBT model, ensuring banking access within 5 km for all schemes.
- Strengthening of cyber security helplines (1930) and strict action against food adulteration.
Important Facts
The Central Zone spans from the Himalayan foothills to the Gangetic plains and the mineral‑rich central plateaus. It contributes significantly to India’s food‑grain reserves and houses major mineral deposits. Chhattisgarh alone links seven states, giving the zone strategic importance for logistics and defence.
During the meeting, the Minister stressed that the fight against Naxalism is not over; development gaps that persisted for five decades must be closed. He urged Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries to collaborate on malnutrition, school dropout reduction, and quality improvement in education.
On law‑and‑order, the Minister highlighted the need for speedy DNA testing in POCSO cases to achieve near‑100 % conviction, and the creation of special courts for long‑pending cases.
The three Naveen Nyaya Sanhita reforms have been rolled out, though implementation challenges remain.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the functioning of the Inter‑State Council and its Zonal Councils is essential for GS‑2 (Polity). The article illustrates federal cooperation, a key theme in Indian governance.
The shift from insurgency‑dominated regions to development‑focused policies ties into GS‑3 (Economy) topics such as regional disparity, resource allocation, and infrastructure programmes like Jal Jeevan Mission‑2.
Legal reforms, fast‑track courts, and the emphasis on POCSO enforcement relate to GS‑4 (Ethics) and GS‑2 (Polity) discussions on law, order, and human rights.
Way Forward
States must align their development plans with the Centre’s agenda, ensuring banking access, water supply, and digital security reach every village. Monitoring mechanisms should be institutionalised to track progress on the 80 % resolved issues. Continued emphasis on rapid case disposal and strict enforcement of anti‑adulteration norms will reinforce the rule of law and public confidence.
By integrating security, development, and governance, the Central Zone can become a model for converting conflict‑prone areas into growth engines, a lesson valuable for future administrators.