Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill

March 11, 2025

The Karnataka Assembly recently passed the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, aiming to decentralise power and improve urban governance. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar introduced the Bill, asserting it would strengthen Bengaluru rather than dismantle it. The proposal faced strong opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which expressed concerns regarding the concentration of power.

Purpose of the Bill

The Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill intends to decentralise administrative power. It aims to enhance the governance framework of Bengaluru, allowing for more localised decision-making. The Bill is seen as a response to the growing complexities of urban management in the city.

Formation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority

A key feature of the Bill is the establishment of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). This authority will oversee the planning and development of the Greater Bengaluru Area. It is designed to ensure effective governance by coordinating various civic agencies and parastatals.

Restructuring the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike

The Bill proposes changes to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). It aims to restructure it into smaller corporations for improved administrative efficiency. The plan includes potentially dividing BBMP into three to seven smaller units, making governance more manageable.

Empowerment of Ward Committees

The Bill seeks to empower ward committees, establishing them as fundamental units of urban governance. This empowerment is intended to enhance community participation in local decision-making processes, allowing residents to have a more direct influence on governance.

Financial Autonomy and Sustainability

The new corporations will gain financial autonomy, especially in property tax collection. This is crucial for their revenue generation. The state government has committed to ensuring the financial sustainability of these corporations by covering any revenue deficits.

Opposition Concerns

The BJP has raised concerns about the Bill. Leaders argue it undermines the 74th Amendment of the Constitution, which aims to strengthen local self-governance. They fear the Bill centralises power in the hands of the Chief Minister, compromising the autonomy of elected local bodies.

Political Reactions

Political reactions to the Bill have been mixed. While the ruling party supports the decentralisation efforts, the opposition argues that it could lead to administrative chaos. The debate marks the tension between the need for effective governance and the preservation of democratic structures.

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