Northern Zonal Council Convenes in Amritsar: Key Issues and Stakeholder Expectations

The 31st meeting of the Northern Zonal Council (NZC) has convened in Amritsar under the able leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The NZC, which includes the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and the Union Territories of Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Chandigarh, has brought together key dignitaries and representatives from these regions.

This pivotal gathering offers a platform for discussions on a multitude of pressing issues affecting the northern zone of India. One of the prominent topics on the agenda is Punjab’s pursuit of its claim over Chandigarh as the capital. Additionally, water-sharing disputes with neighboring states and the affiliation of colleges to Panjab University will be addressed. Himachal Pradesh’s decision to levy water cess on hydro-power projects is also up for discussion.

The NZC will delve into matters concerning the Bhakra-Beas Management Board, reorganization of states, infrastructure development, regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme, and various other issues of common interest in the region.

The meeting began with a warm welcome from the host, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who received Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. Other notable attendees include Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Sexena, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, and Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Brig BD Mishra.

Security measures have been tightened in Amritsar ahead of this high-profile event. A group of farmers associated with the Kirti Kisan Union had planned to protest the arrival of the Union Home Minister. They were, however, detained by the police near the airport. Carrying black flags and wearing black turbans, the farmers aimed to express their discontent with the Centre’s policies, particularly those impacting the agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, in the lead-up to the NZC meeting, Sukhbir Singh Badal, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), took to social media to call upon CM Bhagwant Mann to vigorously advocate for Punjab’s interests. He urged the CM to assert Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh, emphasizing that no land should be allocated for the construction of a separate Haryana Vidhan Sabha. Sukhbir Singh Badal also called for a firm stance on the SYL canal issue and the Riparian Principle, highlighting the critical water scarcity in Punjab. He further demanded that no Haryana colleges be affiliated with Panjab University and suggested a revision of guidelines for appointments to the Bhakra-Beas Management Board.

As the Northern Zonal Council meeting unfolds, it holds the promise of addressing these vital concerns and fostering regional cooperation among the northern states and Union Territories.