The Karnataka government is set to redefine Bengaluru’s urban administration with the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024, aiming to restructure the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into smaller corporations.
This move is expected to enhance administrative efficiency, ensure equitable resource distribution, and improve citizen-centric governance and here TaxArivu will provide the highlights in brief.
Key Highlights of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill
1. Division into Multiple Corporations
- The BBMP will be split into up to 10 smaller municipal corporations, each with its own mayor, commissioner, and standing committees.
- The restructuring aims to make governance more localized and participatory by reducing the administrative burden on a single entity.
2. Creation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA)
- The GBA will act as an apex body to coordinate among civic agencies such as:
- Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB)
- Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP)
- Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML)
- It will oversee planning, manage state and central grants, and recruit staff across multiple corporations.
3. Revenue Redistribution
- Property tax collected by individual corporations will be pooled at a central level.
- Funds will be redistributed by the State Finance Commission to ensure financial stability across all corporations, addressing disparities in revenue generation.
4. Expansion of Boundaries
- Surrounding towns and villages may be included in the Greater Bengaluru Area, further increasing the administrative scope.
5. Three-Tier Governance Structure
- The governance model includes:
- Ward committees at the grassroots level for community participation.
- Municipal corporations at the intermediate level for local administration.
- The GBA for city-wide coordination and supervision.
Benefits of Restructuring BBMP
- Localized Administration:
- Smaller corporations will enable faster decision-making and better responsiveness to local issues.
- Citizens will have easier access to their elected representatives.
- Improved Coordination:
- The GBA will streamline large-scale projects that span across corporation boundaries, ensuring efficient execution.
- Equitable Resource Allocation:
- Centralized pooling of property tax revenue aims to reduce financial disparities between wealthier zones like Mahadevapura and less affluent areas.
- Enhanced Citizen Participation:
- Strengthened ward committees will empower residents to actively participate in governance decisions.
Concerns and Criticisms of BBMP Restructuring
1. Delayed Elections
- Critics argue that the Bill could delay BBMP elections further, with polls now expected only by August 2025. Many believe an elected council should finalize such significant reforms.
2. Centralization of Power
- Opponents claim that the GBA’s overarching authority could undermine local governance by reducing the powers of mayors and ward committees.
3. Revenue Sharing Disputes
- Wealthier zones fear losing financial autonomy due to centralized redistribution of property tax revenues.
4. Overlapping Responsibilities
- Experts have raised concerns about potential overlaps between the GBA’s functions and existing bodies like the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).
Implementation Challenges
- Coordination Complexity:
- Managing multiple corporations under a central authority could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies if not executed properly.
- Resistance from Stakeholders:
- Wealthier zones and opposition parties have voiced strong objections, which might hinder smooth implementation.
- Infrastructure Readiness:
- Expanding boundaries and integrating surrounding areas would require significant investment in infrastructure development.
Conclusion: A Bold Step Forward for Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill
The restructuring of BBMP under the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024, is a bold attempt to address Bengaluru’s growing urban challenges through decentralized governance.
While it promises improved efficiency, equity, and citizen engagement, its success hinges on transparent execution, stakeholder collaboration, and addressing concerns around centralization and delayed elections.
As Bengaluru evolves into a global city, this reform could set a precedent for urban governance in India if implemented effectively.
