Daijiworld Media Network - Faridabad
Faridabad, Nov 17: Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday urged northern states to intensify efforts to ensure swift justice in cases involving crimes against women and children, while also calling for stronger measures to eliminate malnutrition and stunting.
Chairing the 32nd Northern Zonal Council (NZC) meeting in Faridabad, Shah stressed the need for rapid investigations in sexual offence and POCSO cases, stating that no civilised society can tolerate such crimes. He said expanding Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) should be a priority to ensure justice without delay.
Shah highlighted cooperation, agriculture, and fisheries as key engines for poverty eradication and job creation, emphasising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi.” He noted that India’s Ministry of Cooperation has rolled out 57 nationwide initiatives — including PACS computerisation, creation of national cooperative societies, and establishment of Tribhuvan Sahkari University — to expand employment and strengthen grassroots institutions.
The meeting addressed issues such as implementation of FTSCs, water-sharing disputes, environmental concerns, higher education, banking access for villages, and emergency response systems. Agenda items of national importance also included urban master planning, power supply strengthening, reducing school dropouts, enhancing public hospital participation in Ayushman Bharat, eliminating child malnutrition, and boosting PACS capacity.
Shah described the venue, Surajkund, as a symbol of India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, referencing its links to the Bhagavad Gita and the Sikh Gurus. He praised the sacrifices of Guru Tegh Bahadur and other Sikh leaders for safeguarding India’s civilisational values.
He said Zonal Councils have evolved into result-driven platforms over the past decade, enabling cooperation between states and the Centre. He urged all states to work collaboratively on water resources and other cross-regional challenges as India pursues regional strength, national progress, and global leadership.
The meeting was attended by chief ministers and top officials from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi, Ladakh, and Chandigarh.