House panel likely to submit Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill report by Feb 21

Bengaluru: The 13-member house panel reviewing the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024, is expected to submit its report by February 21.

This marks the second deadline set by the Karnataka legislature, after the committee sought additional time in November.

The bill was referred to the committee, chaired by Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad, following a request from Opposition leaders R Ashoka and CN Ashwath Narayan.

So far, the panel has held over two dozen meetings and recently consulted legislators. A public consultation is also expected before the final report is submitted.

The bill proposes the creation of an apex body, the Greater Bengaluru Authority, to oversee multiple municipal entities that would replace the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). It also suggests an increase in the number of wards.

However, the proposed structure has faced opposition.

Critics argue that it could inflate administrative costs without solving fundamental governance issues, such as lack of transparency, inefficiency in service delivery, weak grievance redressal mechanisms, and persistent corruption.

With the final report deadline approaching, the committee’s recommendations could significantly shape the future of Bengaluru’s municipal governance.