Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill 2024 passed in Council

Bengaluru: Notwithstanding objections from many members of the Legislative Council, the contentious Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024, was passed in the Upper House of the Karnataka legislature on Wednesday.

Addressing concerns about the bill’s implementation leaving Bengaluru divided, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru Development Minister, said that the legislation was aimed at strengthening the administrative machinery of the state capital.

“Kempegowda laid the foundations for this city marking its territory, but Bengaluru has been stretched beyond those boundaries. I understand all your concerns, and assure you that Bengaluru will not be divided,” the Deputy CM assured the council.

Shivakumar pointed out that the bill had been drafted after several rounds of deliberations with stakeholders, not to mention extensive consultations with citizens.

Responding to a query by Leader of Opposition Chalavadi T Narayanaswamy, who pointed to the possibility of some local bodies being unable to generate sufficient revenue, Shivakumar said, “We have not touched Article 74, and revenue transfers will not be permitted among local bodies. In case a local body appears weak, we have included provisions allowing the state government to extend financial support to them.”

The deputy chief minister assured the council that all members would be taken into confidence while rules were being drawn up for the Greater Bengaluru Authority.

“The CM will have to preside over the meetings regularly since many projects will require clearance from the Finance Department,” he added.

Pointing out that people entering Bengaluru were not returning to their erstwhile hometowns, Shivakumar defended the need for the bill.

When queried by Congress MLC M R Sitaram, and JD(S) member T A Sharavana about the number of corporations that would be created, Shivakumar said, “There are provisions for seven bodies, but we will not start with as many.”

However, when the Chairman of the Council tabled the bill for voting, BJP members walked out of the house.