From Rs 1 cr to Rs 3 cr: Karnataka Govt expands BBMP commissioners’ project-sanctioning powers

Bengaluru: The state government has empowered commissioners of the five newly carved corporations to approve projects up to Rs 3 crore, tripling the earlier Rs 1-crore limit set for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

This will allow corporations to take up minor works independently and without delay.

As per an order issued on September 17, commissioners have been authorised to grant administrative approval for works to be tendered and to approve tenders after receiving quotations.

Commissioners can now sanction works up to Rs 3 crore, while the standing committee of councillors will handle projects between Rs 3 crore and Rs 5 crore. The elected council will approve works up to Rs 10 crore. Projects above Rs 10 crore will need state government approval.

The same authority applies to tenders, but with caps.

Commissioners cannot approve projects if bidders quote more than 2% above the estimate. The standing committee has a 3% margin and the council has a 5% margin, ensuring fair bidding and preventing overspending.

On Thursday, the government also formed a tender scrutiny committee under the Greater Bengaluru Authority, headed by the GBA commissioner with four members, including the chief engineer of the project concerned.

Separate order 

In a separate order, the government authorised the Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department (UDD) to approve leave for the commissioners of the five corporations.

Helpline 

The Bengaluru City Central Corporation on Thursday shared control room numbers for citizen grievances. The corporation covers Shanthinagar, CV Raman Nagar, Gandhinagar, Chamarajpet, Chikpet, and Shivajinagar.

The numbers: 080-22975803, 9480685702.