Govt gets nod for GBG Bill, plans all-party meet on BBMP split

Bengaluru: Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot Thursday gave his assent to the contentious Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBG) Bill, 2024, clearing the decks for the Karnataka govt to roll out a new urban governance structure for the state capital. The govt immediately issued a notification, making the bill a law.

Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, said he would convene an all-party meeting with city legislators before initiating steps to implement the law.

The legislation proposes the division of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into multiple smaller corporations under a new governing body—the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).

"This is a significant piece of legislation we envisioned to ensure decentralised and efficient governance for Bengaluru. With the governor's nod, we'll now seek consensus. I will convene an all-party meeting next week and take suggestions," Shivakumar said.

However, the bill has drawn criticism from several stakeholders, including some Bengaluru MLAs, who fear BBMP's division could undermine the city's civic identity and global brand.

The bill had been referred to a joint house committee, headed by Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad, during the monsoon session of the legislature following demands for deeper scrutiny. The committee submitted its report during the budget session in March, after which both houses passed the bill and sent it to the governor.

Though initially returned with queries, the bill received assent after the govt provided clarifications.

"We will reiterate our objections and offer suggestions at the all-party meet. The govt must ensure Bengaluru's identity and brandare protected. Our next move will depend on the govt's response," said CN Ashwath Narayan, BJP MLA.

With the legislation now in force, officials said groundwork for implementation will begin. The delay in passing the legislation also delayed the municipal elections, which haven't been held in nearly five years.

The first step involves determining the geographical boundaries of Greater Bengaluru. The current BBMP area spans 786 sq km. While the law allows up to seven city corporations, the govt is considering three or four. These will be carved out of the existing BBMP area, and ward boundaries within each new corporation will have to be defined.

"In our report, we proposed a 120-day timeline for implementation from the date of enactment. I hope it will be completed well within the deadline," Rizwan Arshad said.