Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill 2024 Passed By Karnataka Assembly Amid Opposition's Walkout

Amid strong opposition, leading to a walkout, the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill 2024 was passed by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Monday. Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill 2024 aims to restructure Bengaluru's administration by establishing several municipal bodies under a decentralised governance model.

The Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill 2024 was presented by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar.

Former Minister and BJP leader Ashwath Narayan criticised the bill, arguing it harms Bengaluru's development. "This bill is against the interests of the people of Bengaluru. Dividing Bengaluru is against the progress of the city, and we completely oppose it," he stated. He accused the Congress government of having political motives behind pushing this legislation.

Decentralisation for Better Governance

Shivakumar defended the bill, stating that its purpose is not to divide but to enhance governance in Bengaluru. He explained that the city's rapid growth has made it difficult for a single municipal body to handle issues like waste management, water supply, and infrastructure development effectively. "The city has outgrown the administrative structures built by Kempegowda. Decentralisation is necessary for effective governance," Shivakumar said.

He assured that funds allocated for local bodies under the 75th Constitutional Amendment would remain intact. Additionally, he mentioned that financial support would be provided to economically weaker municipalities to ensure balanced development across different regions of Bengaluru.

Opposition's Concerns

Ashwath Narayan also argued that the bill does not truly promote decentralisation. "It is more of centralisation, not decentralisation as they claim. We will be taking it up with the Governor and pursue legal options," he said.

Shivakumar highlighted examples from other metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai to demonstrate that Bengaluru's municipal restructuring would be financially sustainable. He described the bill as "sacred", asserting that it ensures greater accountability in urban governance.

Details of the Bill

The proposed legislation suggests forming up to seven municipal bodies, each accommodating at least 10 lakh residents, generating Rs 300 crore in revenue, and having a predominantly non-agricultural workforce. The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) will oversee various agencies such as BMTC, BMRCL, BESCOM, BBMP, police, fire services, and disaster management for improved coordination.

The state government plans to provide financial assistance to economically weaker municipalities within Bengaluru to ensure balanced growth across different regions. This approach aims to address concerns about financial viability while maintaining equitable development throughout the city.