The Karnataka Legislative Council on Wednesday passed the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill 2024, which aims to decentralise governance in Bengaluru City by creating multiple municipal corporations.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, addressed concerns raised by opposition leaders, emphasizing that the Bill is a step towards shaping the future of the city.
“We are laying a foundation for the future Bengaluru City, just like Kempe Gowda laid the foundation for the old city,” Shivakumar said. He highlighted that Bengaluru’s rapid expansion required structural governance changes and that the Bill had undergone extensive deliberations before being introduced.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Multiple Municipal Corporations: The Bill allows for the creation of up to seven municipal corporations, though not all will be established immediately.
- Greater Bengaluru Authority: All civic utility agencies and governance-related bodies in Bengaluru will come under a unified authority.
- Self-Declaration for Building Plans: A new scheme will simplify building plan approvals through self-declaration.
- Government Support for Weak Local Bodies: Financially weaker municipal bodies will receive state government assistance instead of revenue transfers from other local bodies.
Opposition and Government’s Stand
Leader of Opposition Narayana Swamy raised concerns about urban planning, while BJP MLC CT Ravi questioned the roles of BDA (Bangalore Development Authority) and BMRDA (Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority). In response, Shivakumar assured that planning authorities would oversee the Greater Bengaluru Region and that members from all parties would be consulted when framing rules.
Bengaluru’s Growth and Future Vision
Shivakumar highlighted the city’s exponential expansion, stating, “During Kempe Gowda’s time, Bengaluru was just 24 square kilometers; today, it has grown beyond 700 square kilometers. The future of Bengaluru is our responsibility, and this Bill requires support from all political parties.”
With the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill 2024 now passed in the Legislative Council, it marks a significant step toward decentralizing administration and streamlining governance in India’s IT capital
