Activists Raise Concerns Over GBA, Warn of BBMP's Reduced Authority
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
During a panel discussion involving civic activists, organised to discuss the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and its impact on local governance in Bengaluru, CIVIC stated it would challenge the GBA in court. “In the GBA, all para-statals come under its ambit. All schemes are prepared by the government. Where is the autonomy of the local body? What authority will the elected body have if everything is controlled by the GBA?” Chamraj questioned.
She also pointed out that MLA Rizwan Arshad, who chaired the joint legislature panel that introduced the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, was misleading the public. Arshad had claimed that the 74th Constitutional Amendment does not provide for control over agencies like Bescom, but the GBA bill covers them all. “Autonomy of the local body has been reduced to just fixing potholes. Earlier, there was a ward committee, but it also has now been reduced to an advisory body whose recommendations are ineffective,” she said.
Retired bureaucrat T R Raghunandan, who delivered the keynote address, warned that frequent delimitation and the creation of new municipalities under the GBA would disrupt reservation rotations for Scheduled Castes, Tribes, OBCs, and women, favouring elite candidates. “The government’s aim is to prevent the rotation of reservations,” he said, adding that the government’s actions violate the equity mandates of the 74th Constitutional Amendment.
Raghunandan also observed that frequent delimitation creates new electoral cycles, diluting the representation of marginalised sections. He suggested that cities like Manila and Brussels have decentralised municipalities with clear roles, a model that Bengaluru should adopt. The panelists agreed that the GBA needs to be re-evaluated to ensure it does not undermine the principles of local governance and equity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA)?
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.
Why are activists criticising the GBA?
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.
What does the 74th Constitutional Amendment mandate?
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.
How does the GBA affect reservation policies?
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.
What alternative models are suggested for Bengaluru's governance?
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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