NEWS – Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot gave assent to the Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBG) Bill, 2024.

WHAT THE GBG ACT PROPOSES

New Structure of Governance

• Establishes a three-tier governance system:

1. Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) – Apex body headed by the Chief Minister.
2. City Corporations – Mid-level municipal corporations (maximum seven).
3. Ward Committees – Grassroots level administration.

Jurisdiction and Expansion

• The Act allows the government to:
  • Redefine city boundaries, potentially beyond current BBMP limits.
  • Create new corporations and wards based on defined territorial limits.
  • Possible names: Bengaluru North, South, East City Corporations.

Financial Structure

• Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA):
  • To receive grants from central and state governments.
  • Expected budget: ₹3,000 crore annually (excluding loans).
• City Corporations:
  • To generate revenue through:
    • Property tax
    • Advertisement charges
    • Building approval fees
  • Expected revenue: ₹3,500–₹4,500 crore per corporation annually (if there are three).

Governance & Representation

• GBA to consist of 19 members, including:
  • Parastatal agencies: Namma Metro, traffic police, BESCOM, etc.
  • Elected representatives (MPs, MLAs, MLCs) – all with voting rights.
• An IAS officer (Principal Secretary rank) will be the Chief Commissioner.

Implementation Timeline

• GBA must be constituted within 4 months.
• GBA empowered to:
  • Appoint Group A & B officers.
  • Oversee city-wide planning, including master plan creation.
  • Execute major infrastructure projects cutting across corporations.

History of Bengaluru’s Urban Legislation

1. KMC Act (1976) – Original municipal governance framework.
2. BBMP Act (2008) – Expanded the city corporation.
3. BBMP Restructuring (2020) – Increased wards to 243.
4. Greater Bengaluru Governance Act (2024) – Current legislation replacing BBMP.