The Greater Bengaluru Governance Act is set to take effect on May 15, 2025, marking a significant shift in the administrative landscape of the city. This new legislation will see the dissolution of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) as it currently exists, transitioning instead to a structure that could include up to seven smaller corporations designed to enhance governance and address the city's rapid growth.
During a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka Cabinet confirmed the decision to notify the BBMP area as the Greater Bengaluru Area (GBA) starting on May 15. This move is a prerequisite for the implementation of the Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBG) Act, which aims to improve the administration of the city, often referred to as India's Silicon Valley due to its booming IT sector.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil explained that the GBG Act will facilitate the division of the GBA into multiple corporations, with the precise number still under consideration. He noted, "The GBG Act will be notified on May 15. The notification will contain details as to how the Act will be implemented further." While the Act allows for the creation of up to seven corporations, officials have indicated that the split is likely to result in three to five new bodies.
The BBMP, which came into existence in 2007 by merging eight urban local bodies and 111 villages, has faced criticism for its governance as Bengaluru's population has soared. The restructuring is seen as a necessary step to ensure more localized management and faster decision-making processes in response to the city's growth.
In addition to the administrative changes, the Karnataka Cabinet approved an additional expenditure of Rs 79.67 crore for the rejuvenation and development of Bellandur Lake, one of the city's most polluted water bodies. This funding aims to address environmental concerns and improve public spaces in the area.
Furthermore, the cabinet announced an increase in the retirement age for super-specialist doctors at government hospitals from 60 to 65 years, a move aimed at addressing the shortage of medical professionals in the state. Patil highlighted the critical situation, stating, "There are 500 posts of specialist doctors in government hospitals. Of these, nearly 50% have been lying vacant for months due to a lack of availability of super-specialist doctors. Therefore, we have decided to increase the retirement age of serving doctors."
Another significant decision made during the meeting was the provision of a 4% reservation in promotions for Group A and Group B (Junior Grade) officials with physical disabilities, aligning with Supreme Court directives.
As the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act approaches its implementation date, the civic society collective Bengaluru Town Hall has announced plans to challenge the Act in the Supreme Court. Activists argue that the Act contravenes the 74th amendment of the Indian Constitution, which mandates the establishment of urban local bodies for the governance of cities.
With the GBG Act set to reshape Bengaluru's administrative framework, the implications of these changes will be closely watched. The transition from the BBMP to a potentially fragmented governance structure raises questions about efficiency, accountability, and the ability to manage the city's burgeoning needs effectively.
As the state prepares for this significant shift, many residents and stakeholders are left wondering how these changes will impact their daily lives and the overall governance of Bengaluru. Will the new structure lead to improved services and better management of resources, or will it create new challenges in an already complex urban environment? Only time will tell as the city stands on the brink of a transformative new era.
