Several long-standing inter-state disputes, including water-related issues among western region states, have been resolved through the platform of the Western Zonal Council, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday. Addressing the 28th meeting of the council in Panaji, Shah described the progress as a major achievement and highlighted the council’s role in strengthening cooperation between states and Union Territories.
Shah said that there are currently no major disputes among the western region states, including water disputes, and that the issues being taken up by the council are now largely related to monitoring and implementation. He said the Zonal Council mechanism has emerged as an effective platform for resolving inter-state concerns through dialogue and coordination.
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1,445 Issues Resolved
According to Shah, 1,893 issues have been discussed through Zonal Council meetings, of which 1,445 have been resolved. He attributed the progress to cooperation between state governments, Union Territories, central ministries and departments, with the Inter-State Council Secretariat playing an important role in facilitating the process.
The 28th Western Zonal Council meeting discussed a wide range of issues affecting the region and the country. Key matters included the implementation of Fast Track Special Courts for speedy investigation and disposal of rape cases involving women and children, the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), food safety standards and the implementation of Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
The meeting also reviewed the availability of brick-and-mortar banking facilities within the prescribed radius of villages, railway development projects and environmental clearances.
Focus on Development and Public Welfare
Beyond inter-state matters, the council discussed several broader development priorities. These included urban master planning, electricity supply, strengthening Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), tackling child malnutrition through Poshan Abhiyaan, reducing school dropout rates and expanding participation of public hospitals in Ayushman Bharat.
Issues concerning cybercrime and digital infrastructure were also discussed, reflecting the growing need for stronger digital systems and security.
Shah highlighted the economic importance of the western region, describing it as the “WEST Engine” of India’s economic growth. He explained the acronym as W for wealth and finance, E for exports and ports, S for startups and semiconductors, and T for tourism and the blue economy.
Goa’s Contribution Highlighted
Shah said Goa contributes significantly to India’s economic growth despite its relatively small geographical size. He highlighted the state’s tourism sector, high per capita income and mining economy.
He said more than one crore tourists visit Goa, including around five lakh foreign tourists, with tourism contributing about 16% of Goa’s GSDP.
The Union Home Minister also pointed to Maharashtra’s startup ecosystem, Gujarat’s ports and emerging semiconductor industry, and Mumbai’s position as India’s financial capital to underline the western region’s importance to the national economy.
The meeting was chaired by Amit Shah and attended by Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Praful Patel.
Shah further noted that all four members of the Western Zonal Council are making significant progress in green energy, adding another dimension to the region’s contribution towards India’s sustainable development.
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