MUMBAI, Oct 21: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today emphasised on better Centre-state coordination for ensuring foolproof coastal security in the country.
Speaking at the 22nd meeting of the Western Zonal Council here, he said the States of the west coast of India, while being among economically most developed, are also vulnerable to terrorist strikes.
In the light of prevailing environment, it is the Centre’s priority to bolster coastal security through a series of measures, including modernisation of police forces, better surveillance and acquisition of modern equipment and assets, Singh said.
An effective Centre-state coordination is necessary for ensuring foolproof coastal security in the country, the Home Minister maintained.
He said Zonal Council meetings have been playing an important role in addressing inter-State and centre-state problems and achieve the goal of cooperative federalism.
“They are an important instrument of cooperative federalism,” the Home Minister said.
The meetings of all the five Zonal Councils were held in 2015, only a third such instance after 1972 and 2005.
The Zonal Councils provide a platform for States and Centre to remove irritants between them through free and frank discussions and consultations. These advisory bodies are headed by the Union Home Minister.
The Western Zonal Council comprises States of Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra and the Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. (PTI)
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