Karnataka Governor Approves Bill to Split BBMP into Smaller Civic Bodies for Better Governance

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has granted assent to the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024, paving the way for a major transformation in the administrative structure of Bengaluru. The move will restructure the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into multiple smaller municipal corporations aimed at enhancing local governance and service delivery.

This long-pending reform is designed to decentralise Bengaluru’s civic administration by creating up to seven new municipal bodies. Each unit is expected to serve at least 10 lakh residents, generate Rs 300 crore in annual revenue, and operate in predominantly non-agricultural areas. The overarching goal is to empower local zones with greater financial and administrative autonomy.

Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad lauded the Governor’s assent, stating on X, “This Bill marks a landmark step in reforming Bengaluru’s governance model. It decentralises decision-making, empowers zonal committees, and grants autonomy at the grassroots level.”

Before granting approval, Governor Gehlot had previously returned the bill, seeking clarifications amidst strong objections from the Opposition BJP and several civic groups.

To ensure cohesive governance across these units, the bill also proposes the establishment of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The Chief Minister will serve as the ex-officio chairperson of the GBA, while the Minister for Bengaluru Development will act as its vice-chairperson. The authority will coordinate efforts among various parastatal bodies like the Bangalore Development Authority, BWSSB, BMTC, BMRCL, BESCOM, BMLTA, and the Solid Waste Management Ltd.

The restructuring is seen as a critical step in addressing Bengaluru’s growing urban challenges and ensuring that governance keeps pace with the city’s rapid expansion.