Civic Activists Decry GBA, Warn of BBMP's Diminished Power
Civic activists in Bengaluru criticize the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and the delay in BBMP elections, warning of the erosion of local governance and the empowerment of real estate and garbage mafia.
GbaBbmpCivic ActivismLocal GovernanceReservationReal EstateMay 18, 2025
She addressed a panel discussion involving civic activists, which was organised to discuss the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and its impact on local governance in Bengaluru. CIVIC also stated its intention to 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, highlighting the concerns over the reduced autonomy of the BBMP.
She also pointed out that MLA Rizwan Arshad, who chaired the joint legislature panel that introduced the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, has been 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, emphasizing the significant reduction in the local body's authority.
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 violate the equity mandates of the 74th Constitutional Amendment.
He also observed that frequent delimitation creates new electoral cycles, which dilute the representation of marginalised sections. Raghunandan suggested that cities like Manila and Brussels have decentralised municipalities with clear roles, a model that Bengaluru should adopt to improve local governance.
The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has been a subject of intense debate, with critics arguing that it undermines the democratic process and the autonomy of local bodies. The activists and experts at the panel discussion called for a more transparent and equitable approach to governance in Bengaluru, emphasizing the need to empower local communities and ensure their active participation in decision-making processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA)?
The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is a proposed body intended to oversee the governance of Bengaluru. It is designed to bring various para-statals under its control, which has raised concerns about the autonomy of local bodies like the BBMP.
Why are civic activists criticizing the GBA?
Civic activists are criticizing the GBA because they believe it undermines the autonomy of local bodies like the BBMP, centralizes power, and reduces the effectiveness of local governance. They argue that this centralization favors elite candidates and marginalizes the representation of marginalized communities.
What is the 74th Constitutional Amendment?
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 provides for the establishment of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and aims to ensure democratic decentralization in urban areas. It mandates the creation of ward committees and reservations for marginalized communities in local bodies.
How does the GBA bill impact the BBMP elections?
The GBA bill has been criticized for delaying the BBMP elections and undermining the autonomy of the BBMP. Critics argue that this delay is intended to weaken the local body and centralize power under the GBA, reducing the authority of elected representatives.
What alternative models of governance are suggested by the activists?
Activists suggest that Bengaluru should adopt a decentralized model similar to that of cities like Manila and Brussels, where municipalities have clear roles and responsibilities. This model is believed to improve local governance and ensure better representation of marginalized communities.
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