Mahabalipuram: A high-level meeting aimed at ironing out issues between southern states and strengthening Centre-state coordination got underway in Mahabalipuram near Chennai on Thursday, with Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah chairing the 31st South Zonal Council meeting.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister CP Vijay, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Kerala Chief Minister Satheesan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka are among the key leaders attending the meeting. Lieutenant Governors of Puducherry and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Administrator of Lakshadweep and senior officials from various ministries are also participating.

The meeting is taking up a broad range of issues that affect more than one state or involve coordination between the Centre and states. Inter-state cooperation, internal security, economic growth, industrial investment, education and healthcare are among the major areas under discussion.

A key focus is also the implementation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), aimed at speeding up the investigation and disposal of rape cases involving women and children. Education-related issues are also being discussed as part of the wider agenda.

What is the Southern Zonal Council?

The Southern Zonal Council is one of five Zonal Councils established under Sections 15 to 22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.

The councils provide a structured platform for states to collectively deliberate on disputes, administrative challenges, and issues requiring coordination with the Centre.

Amit Shah is the Chairman of the Southern Zonal Council, while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay serves as its Vice-Chairman.

The position of Vice-Chairman is held by the Chief Ministers of member states on a rotational basis, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The 31st meeting is being organised by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the Tamil Nadu government hosting the event.

Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors and Administrators of the member states and Union Territories of the southern region are attending, along with two senior ministers from each state.

Chief Secretaries, Advisors, other senior state government officials and senior officers from the Central government are also participating.

Beyond individual state concerns, the meeting serves as a forum to push for coordinated action on matters that cut across state boundaries.

With security, economic development, public welfare and institutional coordination on the agenda, deliberations in Mahabalipuram are focused on finding common ground on issues requiring a collective Centre-state approach.