Amit Shah to Lead 26th Meeting of Central Regional Council in Chhattisgarh

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to lead the 26th meeting of the Central Regional Council in Chhattisgarh on May 19. This meeting will focus on enhancing inter-state coordination in crucial areas such as education, healthcare, and public welfare. Key topics include the swift resolution of crimes against women and children and strengthening rural banking systems. The meeting will involve Chief Ministers and senior officials from the member states, aiming to foster collaboration and address significant regional and national issues. Discover more about the agenda and the importance of this council in promoting cooperative federalism.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 17:33 IST

Central Regional Council Meeting Overview

On May 19, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will preside over the 26th meeting of the Central Regional Council in Chhattisgarh. This gathering will address various regional and national topics, including inter-state coordination and collaboration in areas such as nutrition, education, healthcare, electricity, urban development, and cooperation. The council comprises the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Officials have indicated that over a dozen significant issues will be discussed to enhance inter-state cooperation and administrative coordination among member states.

Key Discussion Points

Among the primary topics for discussion are the swift investigation and resolution of crimes against women and children, strengthening rural banking connections, implementing emergency response systems, and improving distribution mechanisms in public welfare sectors. The meeting will see participation from the Chief Ministers of the member states, along with two senior ministers from each state government. Additionally, chief secretaries and senior officials from these states, as well as senior officials from the central government, will be present.

Organizational Details

The meeting is being organized by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Chhattisgarh government. The previous meeting took place on June 24, 2025, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The five regional councils were established under Sections 15 to 22 of the State Reorganization Act of 1956. These councils are chaired by the Union Home Minister, with Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, and Administrators of member states and Union Territories serving as members. Each year, a Chief Minister rotates to serve as the Vice-Chairperson, and each Governor appoints two ministers from their state government as members.

Permanent Committee and National Development

Each regional council has a permanent committee at the level of chief secretaries. Issues proposed by the states are first discussed in this committee before being brought forward for further deliberation in the regional council meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the importance of cooperative and competitive federalism for comprehensive national development. He believes that strong states contribute to a strong nation, and regional councils provide a structured platform for dialogue on issues affecting multiple states or the center and states, thereby fostering collaboration.