Explanation
A
constitutional body is one that is directly mentioned in the Constitution. A
statutory body is created by an Act of Parliament, while an
executive body is established through government orders without a specific law or constitutional provision.
I. The Inter-State Council is correct. It derives its authority from
Article 263 of the Constitution. This Article empowers the President to establish such a council for
coordination, discussion, and dispute resolution between the Centre and States. Even though it is set up by a Presidential order, its
constitutional backing makes it a constitutional body.
II. The National Security Council is incorrect. It was established in
1998–99 by an executive decision of the Government of India. It functions as an advisory body on
national security and strategic affairs, but it has
no mention in the Constitution or any statute, placing it in the category of executive bodies.
III. Zonal Councils are incorrect. These were created under the
States Reorganisation Act, 1956, making them
statutory bodies. Their role is to promote
inter-state cooperation and coordination, especially on issues like border disputes, economic planning, and internal security, but they do not have constitutional status.
Thus, only the
Inter-State Council has a
constitutional origin, making the correct answer
Only one.