Greater Bengaluru Authority aims for improved city coordination

B. S. Patil, chairman of the Brand Bengaluru Committee (BBC), defended the Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBG) Bill, 2024. This response comes as civil society groups express concerns about the Bill possibly violating India's 74th Constitutional Amendment. The Bill was recently passed by both Houses of the legislature. Activists from Bengaluru Town Hall (BTH) met with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, urging him not to approve the Bill. They believe it gives the state government too much power through the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), which will be led by the Chief Minister. However, Patil believes the GBA's role is to enhance coordination among city agencies for better urban planning. According to Patil, the GBA will work with independent corporations, which are in line with the 74th Amendment. These agencies will create their own plans and share them with the GBA for a comprehensive strategy. He stressed that the new approach aims to include all stakeholders and address past inconsistencies in planning. He also noted that the GBA will not overrule the individual corporations. A Bengaluru Metropolitan Planning Committee (BMPC) will oversee the GBA, ensuring its plans have final approval. Patil assured that Mayors can raise concerns and suggest changes to GBA proposals, maintaining local input. BBC member V. Ravichandar compared the GBA to an orchestra conductor, promoting collaboration instead of confusion. He emphasized that the Bill supports the autonomy of corporations and clarifies that the GBA will not control local ward committees.