Activists Warn of Power Erosion as GBA Takes Over BBMP
Civic activists in Bengaluru have raised concerns over the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and its potential to undermine the BBMP's autonomy. They claim the GBA will centralize control, eroding the local body's authority.
BengaluruBbmpGbaLocal GovernanceCivic ActivistsReal Estate NewsMay 18, 2025
He was addressing a panel discussion involving civic activists, organized to discuss the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and its impact on local governance in Bengaluru on Saturday. CIVIC also 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 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, favoring elite candidates.
“The government’s aim is to prevent the rotation of reservations,” he said, adding that the government’s actions violated the equity mandates of the 74th Constitutional Amendment.
He also observed that frequent delimitation creates new electoral cycles, diluting the representation of marginalized sections. He suggested that cities like Manila and Brussels have decentralized municipalities with clear roles, a model that Bengaluru should adopt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA)?
The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is a proposed governing body that aims to centralize control over various para-statals and local governance schemes in Bengaluru.
Why are activists concerned about the GBA?
Activists are concerned that the GBA will erode the autonomy of the BBMP and reduce the authority of elected local bodies, centralizing control in the hands of the government.
What is the 74th Constitutional Amendment?
The 74th Constitutional Amendment, passed in 1992, aims to strengthen local self-government by providing constitutional status to urban local bodies and ensuring their autonomy.
How does the GBA bill impact reservation rotations?
The GBA bill is criticized for disrupting reservation rotations for marginalized communities, as frequent delimitation and creation of new municipalities favor elite candidates.
What is the role of the ward committee in BBMP?
The ward committee in BBMP is an advisory body that provides recommendations on local issues. However, under the GBA, its role has been reduced, making its recommendations less effective.
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