Civic activists in Bengaluru are criticising the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) for eroding the power of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). They claim the GBA undermines local governance and reduces the autonomy of elected bodies.
GbaBbmpCivic GovernanceLocal AutonomyReservationReal Estate NewsMay 18, 2025
The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is a proposed governance body in Bengaluru that aims to oversee various municipal functions and para-statals. It is intended to streamline governance and improve efficiency in the city.
Activists are criticising the GBA for eroding the power of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and reducing the autonomy of elected local bodies. They claim it undermines local governance and reduces the role of elected representatives to minor administrative tasks.
The 74th Constitutional Amendment mandates the creation of local self-governance bodies to ensure democratic participation and equitable representation. It provides for the control and management of local bodies and their roles in urban governance.
The GBA's frequent delimitation and creation of new municipalities can disrupt reservation rotations for Scheduled Castes, Tribes, OBCs, and women. This can favour elite candidates and dilute the representation of marginalised sections.
Suggested alternative models include decentralised municipalities with clear roles, similar to those in cities like Manila and Brussels. These models aim to ensure better representation and more effective local governance.
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