Deliberations among senior officials of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the Centre at Central Zonal Council meet

Raipur, January 30

The 17th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Central Zonal Council was held in Nava Raipur on Friday, where senior officials of member states—Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand—and the Central government held detailed deliberations on 50 points related to socio-economic development, effective implementation of schemes, resolution of pending issues and improved coordination among the states. Emphasis was laid on resolving administrative, economic and social issues concerning the four states of the central region and strengthening inter-state coordination. Officials present at the meeting were also familiarised with innovations and best practices adopted by the four states.

The meeting of the Standing Committee holds special significance as it finalises the agenda ahead of the main meeting of the Central Zonal Council. The decisions and recommendations taken here are placed before the forthcoming council meeting. The forum also addresses the resolution of pending inter-state issues, strengthening policy coordination and removing practical bottlenecks in development projects of the member states.

The meeting was attended by Chairperson of the Standing Committee and Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel; Secretary, Inter-State Council Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Ashish Srivastava; Additional Secretary Smt. Shubha Thakur; Madhya Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary Smt. Rashmi Arun Shami; Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary Shri Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma; Uttarakhand Principal Secretary Shri Ramesh Kumar Sundashu, along with senior officials from various Central ministries and concerned departments of the four states.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel said that constructive and meaningful discussions were held among officials of the four states and the Central government on various issues related to state governments and the Union government. He said that through continuous dialogue and inter-state cooperation, the shared interests of the central region states would be effectively ensured. Secretary, Inter-State Council Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Ashish Srivastava, said the four states should initiate immediate action in line with the outcomes of the discussions held during the meeting. He added that deliberations among the four states and the Centre would further strengthen mutual dialogue and help in taking concrete and practical decisions to resolve common issues faced by the Central government and the states of the central region.

Discussions held on issues related to these ministries and departments

The Standing Committee meeting discussed various issues related to Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as well as matters pertaining to the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Jal Jeevan Mission, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Department of School Education and Literacy, Department of Food and Public Distribution, Department of Financial Services, Department of Posts, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Department of Commerce and Department of Fisheries.

Officials acquainted with best practices of the four states

The Standing Committee meeting also featured presentations on inter-state coordination, development and good governance, along with best practices adopted by the four states. Officials from Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh shared information on innovations and effective schemes implemented in their respective states.

Chhattisgarh presented the One-Click Single Window System 2.0, launched by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai in July 2025. This advanced digital platform integrates over 136 services across 16 departments, significantly expediting processes related to industrial investment, land management, environmental clearances and subsidy approvals. The state also showcased the Dantewada Model featuring a blockchain-based secure land records system, and the AI-based Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) as nationally innovative initiatives in the education sector.

Madhya Pradesh presented rural tourism development as its key best practice. Under this initiative, homestays and local culture-based tourism are being promoted in 125 villages. The state also highlighted its Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Policy–2025, which aims to source 50 per cent of electricity from renewable energy by 2030, and the PM Shri Tourism Heli Service initiative to strengthen tourism and regional connectivity.

Uttarakhand showcased initiatives such as income enhancement of border farmers through the Farmer-to-ITBP supply chain scheme, plastic waste management through a digital deposit refund system, and rejuvenation of water sources through the Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARA). Officials from Uttar Pradesh made presentations on new initiatives for housing improvements in urban areas, the Labour Justice Setu Portal, and innovations such as Seva Mitra.