BBMP restructuring: London Dreams for Bengaluru

BENGALURU: In a move that is both risky and a leap of faith, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pushed a bill through the state assembly on Monday that will not just bifurcate or trifurcate our city into smaller administrative zones, but divide it further into eight to ten zones.

In a calculated risk, the state government succeeded in amending the Karnataka Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill (KMCA), albeit partially, to split Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike on a day when it also earned a breather in the high court because the State Election Commission (SEC) was asked to put off an announcement on the calendar of events for BBMP polls to Wednesday.

But the government could not get the amendment bill passed in the Legislative Council and must therefore wait till Thursday April 23, before it can set its plans in motion. Even if the bill does not get through the upper House because of lack of numbers, it will be passed again by the Assembly, and then sent to the Governor for his assent. The assembly passed the key bill which allows it to form “two or more corporations."

Genesis of Greater Bengaluru Municipal Authority

Taking a cue from the Greater city of London, a three member committee on restructuring of BBMP pitched for a Greater Bengaluru Municipal Administration (GBMA) with 8 to 10 corporations to administer the city efficiently rather than the single entity it is at present, which is the model that is to be adopted. The bill, paves the way for a Greater Bengaluru Municipal Authority (GBMA), acting as an umbrella organisation, with at least 8 to 10 corporations reporting to it.

For the first five years, the chief minister will be the chairman of the GBMA, after which a greater mayor will be elected to replace the CM.  GBMA will primarily be a planning authority at macro level and will monitor the BWSSB, Pollution Control Board and BDA, oversee roads, drains, health and solid waste management.

The smaller unit of corporation is expected to be more efficient in collecting the revenue. At least Rs. 500 to 600 crore will be earned from each corporation. But will the money reach us in improving civic amenities is the question

Following more than two hours of hearing on the state government's appeal challenging a single judge order to conduct BBMP poll before May 30, the Karnataka High Court on Monday stayed any further proceeding including declaration of the poll programme by the State Election Commission till April 22