Andhra Pradesh temporary capital Vijayawada for the first time is hosting an important meeting in which representatives of all southern states will participate. The ministry of home affairs, Government of India, is holding the Southern Zonal Council meeting on December 12, 2015 to discuss the various scheme being implemented by the centre and enhancing the cooperation among the states.

The Southern Zonal Council comprising the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Main objective of the Council is “to develop the habit of cooperative working” among the states and between States and Central Government. The Council has set up a Standing Committee consisting of Chief Secretaries of the Member States of their respective Zonal Council. The Committee meets from time to time to resolve the issues or to do necessary ground work for further meetings of the Zonal Council.

Chief Secretary I.Y.R. Krishna Rao today held a preparatory meeting to discuss the issues expected to come up in the 26th Meeting of the Southern Zonal Council. The meeting is being held under aegis of ministry of home affairs, Government of India.

Chief Secretary informed that several important issues such as poverty alleviation, environment, rural development, road transport, housing, railways, power transmission, industrial corridor, GST and tourism etc., will be discussed in the Southern Zonal Council.