Why in the News?

The Karnataka government has introduced a bill in the state assembly that aims to restructure the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) by dividing it into multiple smaller municipal corporations. This proposal is known as the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024.

What is the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill?

• The Bill aims to restructure the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into smaller administrative units to improve governance in Bengaluru.
• Drafted by the BBMP Restructuring Committee, the Bill has undergone multiple revisions since its inception in 2014, with the latest modifications presented in June 2024.
• The Bill was tabled in the Karnataka Assembly on July 23, 2024, and is set for discussion among lawmakers, with a sub-committee likely to scrutinize it before further consideration.

Key Highlights of the Draft Bill

• City Corporations: The Bill proposes that the number of city corporations in the Greater Bengaluru Area shall not exceed ten, with indications that it may be split into five units based on specified criteria.
• Governance Structure: A three-tier governance structure will be established, comprising the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) at the top, city corporations in the middle, and ward committees at the bottom.
• Composition of GBA: The GBA will be headed by the Chief Minister and include 21 members, including key ministers and heads of various urban development organizations.
• Criteria for Corporations: City corporations must have a population of at least 10 lakh, a density of over 5,000 people per sq km, and a minimum revenue generation of ₹300 crore annually.
• Ward Distribution: Each city corporation will consist of between 50 to 200 wards, with the current BBMP having 198 wards.

Present Criticism

•  The BJP has criticized the Bill as “unscientific,” claiming it threatens the cultural identity of Bengaluru and could lead to administrative chaos.
  • BJP leaders have expressed fears that the proposed restructuring could diminish the prominence of the Kannada language in Bengaluru.
• Critics point to the unsuccessful trifurcation of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi in 2012, which was reversed in 2022, as a cautionary tale against such restructuring efforts.
• Concerns have been raised that the Bill may exacerbate economic disparities among the proposed city corporations, with wealthier areas receiving more resources while poorer areas remain underdeveloped.

Way forward: 

• Comprehensive Stakeholder Consultation: Before finalizing the Bill, the government should conduct extensive consultations with all stakeholders, including local residents, urban planners, civic organizations, and opposition parties. This will ensure that diverse perspectives are considered, addressing concerns about cultural identity, economic disparities, and administrative efficiency.
• Clear Definition and Criteria: The Bill should include clear definitions of “local areas” and the criteria for determining the boundaries of the proposed city corporations.

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