In a significant move towards urban governance reform, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has given his assent to the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024. This legislation mandates the dissolution of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), paving the way for a decentralized, multi-tiered administrative structure aimed at enhancing civic management in Bengaluru.
The Act proposes the division of the existing BBMP into multiple smaller municipal corporations, each responsible for localized governance. These entities will operate under the overarching Greater Bengaluru Authority, designed to ensure coordination among various civic bodies and streamline service delivery across the metropolitan area.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also oversees the Bengaluru Development portfolio, announced plans to convene an all-party meeting with city legislators to discuss the implementation of the new governance framework. The government has already issued a notification, bringing the Act into effect.
The restructuring aims to address longstanding issues related to administrative inefficiencies and service delivery challenges in the rapidly growing city. By decentralizing governance, the Act seeks to bring decision-making closer to residents, thereby improving responsiveness and accountability.
While the move has been welcomed by some as a necessary step towards better urban management, it has also faced criticism. Opponents argue that the Act could undermine local democratic institutions by centralizing power and potentially delaying local elections.
As Bengaluru transitions to this new governance model, the focus will be on ensuring that the restructuring leads to tangible improvements in civic services and urban infrastructure.
