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UPSC Prelims 2025Question 53Polity

With reference to India, consider the following:
I. The Inter-State Council
II. The National Security Council
III. Zonal Councils
How many of the above were established as per the provisions of the Constitution of India?

Options

  1. (a)Only one
  2. (b)All the three
  3. (c)Only two
  4. (d)None
Correct answer: a
Decision rule

If a body's enabling authority is an Article, it is constitutional; if an Act of Parliament, statutory; if a Cabinet order, merely executive.

Explanation

Correct Answer:

(a) Only one

Explanation of the Correct Answer:

Let’s analyze each body:

  • I. The Inter-State Council
    • Established under the Constitution – Correct
    • The Inter-State Council is provided for under Article 263 of the Constitution of India.
    • It is intended to facilitate coordination between the states and the Union, and may be constituted by the President if it seems necessary for public interest.
  • II. The National Security Council (NSC)
    • Not established under the Constitution – Incorrect
    • The NSC was established in 1998 by an executive order of the Government of India.
    • It is a non-constitutional body and functions under the Prime Minister’s Office for strategic security matters.
  • III. Zonal Councils
    • Not established under the Constitution – Incorrect
    • Zonal Councils were established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, a parliamentary law, not by the Constitution itself.
    • They are statutory bodies intended to foster cooperation among states in each zone.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

  • (b) Only two – Incorrect: Only Inter-State Council is constitutional.
  • (c) All the three – Incorrect: Only one is constitutionally established.
  • (d) None – Incorrect: One (Inter-State Council) is established by the Constitution.

Relevant Supplementary Information

Table: Constitutional Status of the Bodies

BodyEstablished UnderConstitutional?Remarks
Inter-State CouncilArticle 263, Constitution of IndiaYesA constitutional body for Union-State coordination
National Security CouncilExecutive Order (1998)NoStrategic advisory body headed by the Prime Minister
Zonal CouncilsStates Reorganisation Act, 1956NoStatutory bodies for regional cooperation among states

Related Concepts:

ConceptExplanation
Article 263Empowers the President to set up an Inter-State Council
NSC CompositionIncludes NSA, ministers of defense, external affairs, home, and finance
Zonal CouncilsNorth, South, East, West, Central, and North-Eastern councils created for cooperation

Current Relevance:

  • Inter-State Council was reconstituted in 2022 and plays a role in Centre-State policy discussions.
  • NSC is central to India’s national security architecture and strategic decision-making.
  • Zonal Councils are used to resolve regional disputes and encourage interstate collaboration on issues like law and order, infrastructure, etc.

Table: Constitutional and Legal Basis of Inter-State Council, National Security Council, and Zonal Councils

BodyEstablished UnderLegal StatusConstitutional Article / LawPrimary FunctionHeaded By
Inter-State CouncilConstitution of IndiaConstitutional BodyArticle 263To discuss and recommend policies for Union-State and inter-state coordinationPrime Minister of India
National Security Council (NSC)Executive Order (1998)Executive BodyNot mentioned in ConstitutionAdvises government on internal and external security threatsPrime Minister (Chairperson)
Zonal CouncilsStates Reorganisation Act, 1956Statutory BodyCreated under Section 15–22 of the ActPromote cooperation among states in a specific zoneUnion Home Minister (Chairperson)

Additional Notes:

ConceptDetails
Constitutional BodyCreated directly by the Constitution (e.g., Inter-State Council under Article 263)
Statutory BodyCreated by an Act of Parliament (e.g., Zonal Councils by States Reorganisation Act)
Executive BodyCreated by an Executive decision or order (e.g., NSC in 1998)
Zonal Councils ZonesNorth, South, East, West, Central, and North-Eastern (N-E is separate via NEC Act)

Functions Overview

BodyKey Roles
Inter-State CouncilPolicy coordination, investigating disputes, making recommendations on inter-governmental matters
National Security CouncilCoordinates strategic, intelligence, and security policy for national interest
Zonal CouncilsAddress regional issues like border disputes, transport, public health, and law and order
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